Smiling, swallowing, chewing, and yawning shouldn’t cause you pain and discomfort. If your jaw has been aching, clicking, or getting stuck lately, you’re in the right place. This guide is the starting point for a series we’ve put together to answer the questions people actually have about TMJ disorder — what causes it, how to know if that’s what you’re dealing with, and what to do next.
This is general information, and every patient’s situation is different. Please contact your dentist or our team for guidance specific to you.
The short answer
TMJ disorder (also called TMD) happens when the temporomandibular joint — the sliding hinge that connects your jaw to your skull — isn’t functioning correctly. It can cause pain in your jaw and the surrounding muscles, along with clicking or popping sounds, trouble opening your mouth fully, and even headaches or neck pain. It’s a dental issue as often as it’s a medical one, and a dentist is usually the right place to start.
What causes TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder can develop for several reasons, and often more than one factor is involved. Common causes include:
- Stress — which often shows up as jaw clenching without you noticing
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), especially at night
- Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
- Injury to the jaw or joint
- Genetics — some people are simply more prone to it
Because there’s rarely a single cause, figuring out which of these applies to you is part of what a dental exam is for.
Common symptoms
Symptoms range from mild to severe, and not everyone experiences all of them. The most common are:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing
- Trouble opening or closing your mouth fully
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you move your jaw
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- A jaw that feels like it’s “stuck” or locks briefly
If any of these sound familiar, our symptoms-and-signs guide goes deeper into what counts as a reason to book a consultation: Am I a Candidate for TMJ Treatment? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore.
Is it TMJ, or something else?
Jaw pain can have other causes — a sinus issue, a toothache, or referred pain from elsewhere — so it’s easy to second-guess yourself. A quick way to think about it: if the pain is tied to jaw movement (chewing, yawning, opening wide) or comes with clicking/popping, TMJ disorder is a strong possibility. A dental exam, which usually includes checking your bite and looking for wear patterns from grinding or clenching, is how we confirm it.
Can it go away on its own?
Sometimes. Mild TMJ discomfort can ease with self-care — relaxation techniques, gentle jaw massage and stretching, and avoiding hard or sticky foods for a while. But if the pain is persistent, getting worse, or interfering with eating and sleeping, self-care alone usually isn’t enough, and it’s worth having it looked at.
When to see a dentist
A dentist is usually the right place to start for jaw pain — TMJ disorder involves the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, and a dentist can assess your bite, check for signs of grinding or clenching, and take X-rays if needed. You don’t need a referral for an initial assessment.
Worth booking sooner rather than later if:
- The pain has lasted more than a week or two
- Your jaw is clicking, popping, or locking
- Over-the-counter pain relief and self-care aren’t helping
- The pain is affecting your sleep or ability to eat comfortably
What happens next if it is TMJ
If a dental exam confirms TMJ disorder, treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all — options range from a nightguard to reduce nighttime grinding, to physical therapy, to Botox injections to relax the jaw muscles, depending on what’s driving your symptoms. Cost also varies depending on which treatment path fits you.
You can see the full picture of that process here:
- TMJ Treatment Options in Calgary: Splints, Physical Therapy, Botox & More
- How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost in Calgary?
- What to Expect at Your First TMJ Consultation
Explore the rest of this guide
This page is the starting point for our full TMJ series, organized by where you are in figuring things out:
Just starting to figure out what’s going on:
- TMJ Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & When to See a Dentist (you’re here)
- Am I a Candidate for TMJ Treatment? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Looking into treatment:
- TMJ Treatment Options in Calgary: Splints, Physical Therapy, Botox & More
- How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost in Calgary?
Ready to book:
- Our TMJ Treatment service page — details on booking with our team
- What to Expect at Your First TMJ Consultation
Ready to talk it through? Book an appointment with Deerfoot Dental Centre in NE Calgary — no referral needed for an initial TMJ assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMJ disorder the same as TMD?
Yes — TMJ (temporomandibular joint) refers to the joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to the condition affecting it. People often use “TMJ” to mean both.
Can stress alone cause TMJ disorder?
Stress is a common contributing factor, usually because it leads to jaw clenching or grinding without you realizing it — but it’s often one of several factors working together, not the sole cause.
Do I need a referral to see a dentist about TMJ symptoms?
No — our dentists can assess and treat TMJ disorder as an initial point of contact; no referral is needed.
Will my jaw pain go away completely with treatment?
For many patients, yes, or it becomes manageable enough that it’s no longer disruptive — but the right treatment depends on what’s causing your particular symptoms, which is why an exam comes first.
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