Jaw pain

Jaw pain can be caused by various conditions related to teeth, gums, masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint, and the ear. It is easily misinterpreted as toothaches or earaches and often difficult to find the true source of pain without a thorough history and assessment. Jaw pain is commonly caused by sore or tender masticatory muscles and/or inflamed temporomandibular joints and will not be resolved with dental treatment or antibiotics. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most jaw pain can be managed effectively long term.

Joint noises

Temporomandibular joint noises are a common symptom amongst people of all ages and may be indicative of a temporomandibular disorder. Clicking, popping, and grating noises are all possible due to the variations in the anatomy of joint and positioning of the temporomandibular disc within the joint space. While certain noises may be harmless and asymptomatic others can be indicative of disease or disorder leading to jaw pain and restricted function of the jaw.

Limited movement

Limited movement of the jaw is usually a serious problem which can severely impact the quality of life. It can affect the person's ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. It can also make dental treatment and other procedures extremely difficult. Limited movement of the jaws may or may not be associated with jaw pain but is commonly associated with a underlying temporomandibular joint disorder or other pathologies of teeth, throat, or face.

Locked jaw

Locking of the jaws is a scary and painful experience which can have serious consequences. It can usually be released/unlocked with physical manoeuvring but can happen repeatedly depending on the cause. It can be associated with a derangement of the temporomandibular joint components or be a form of dislocation. Locking of the jaw may be a sign of advanced temporomandibular joint disorder and should be managed effectively.