Symptoms, explained
Jaw pain and clicking: what your jaw is trying to tell you
Jaw pain, clicking or limited opening can come from muscles, joints, teeth or other causes. We start with assessment and conservative options where appropriate. A click alone does not identify the cause.
This page can’t diagnose you. Similar symptoms can have different causes. A dentist uses your history, an examination and any appropriate tests to explain what is happening and what care you need.
Toothache right now? Call reception to check the next available appointment.
Call nowGo to an emergency department NOW — don’t wait for us — if you have: a jaw ache that comes on with physical effort and eases when you rest — that can be a heart problem, not a dental one; swelling under the tongue or into the neck, or any difficulty swallowing or breathing; or a jaw that won’t close or line up after a blow or a fall — it may be broken. These are medical emergencies first and dental problems second.
Clicking or popping near the ear
Painless joint sounds are common and often need no treatment. New pain, locking, injury or a change in function warrants assessment. A click does not by itself prove that a disc is displaced.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
Aching muscles or pain around meals
The clinician checks your jaw, teeth and history before suggesting care. Early advice may include softer food for a short time, avoiding gum chewing and reducing clenching habits.
A splint may protect teeth in suitable cases, but evidence that it relieves jaw-joint or muscle pain is limited. It should not permanently change your bite; report pain or new symptoms if you use one.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
Jaw pain that feels like toothache
Pain can be referred from another area. Examination helps distinguish dental, muscle, joint and other causes before any tooth is treated. Irreversible bite changes or tooth reshaping are not routine treatment for unexplained jaw pain.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
A jaw that locks or symptoms that persist
Difficulty opening or closing, persistent pain or an injury needs clinical assessment. The clinician may discuss further tests or referral. Do not force a locked jaw open.
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent dental assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
Jaw discomfort with exertion or chest symptoms
Jaw pain can sometimes be associated with a medical problem rather than a dental one. Jaw discomfort with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or faintness needs emergency medical help, especially if it is new.
What you should do
Seek emergency medical help for these symptoms. Do not wait for a dental appointment or WhatsApp reply.
What it costs
We quote before we treat. Ask reception about consultation fees and your medical aid. Cover depends on your scheme, plan and available benefits; co-payments may apply. Confirm benefits and any required authorisation before treatment.
On a medical aid? Understand medical aid and treatment quotes — then check your plan’s benefits and any authorisation with your scheme. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Related dental guides
Sources for this guide
General patient information supports this guide. Your dentist assesses your own symptoms, treatment and aftercare; overseas service numbers and payment rules do not apply here.
Not sure which pattern is yours?
Tell reception what you’re feeling and ask for an appointment. Reception confirms availability and your date and time. After-hours messages are reviewed when the practice reopens; urgent symptoms should not wait for a reply.