Teeth Grinding & Jaw Problems

What causes jaw pain or clicking when chewing?

Short answer

Jaw pain or clicking is often related to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue, which can stem from teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, or stress-related muscle tension. Occasional clicking without pain is common, but persistent pain or difficulty opening the mouth should be assessed by a dentist.

About this answer: Prepared by the AllSmiles Dental Editorial Team for general information. Your dentist can advise you based on an examination and your individual needs.