When experiencing jaw problems, people often think of the dentist. Of course, many causes of pain originate from the dental (teeth) area. However, this region can also have many issues related to muscle problems. This includes pain around the jaw joint, the ears, the lower jaw, or the cheek area, and sometimes even ringing in the ears. Tension in the jaw can also have a significant impact on headaches—see the information about headaches for more details.
Facial pain and jaw pain can manifest throughout the head and neck region and have many different causes.
The most common reason for jaw problems is bruxism. Bruxism is a collective term for increased tension in the jaw muscles, such as clenching and grinding. This can occur both during the day and at night. Signs of bruxism include bite marks on the inside of the cheek and tooth impressions on the edges of the tongue.
It is important to know that jaw tension is not only caused by clenching and grinding. Other causes include certain oral habits, such as biting on the lips or nails, as well as frequent chewing gum use.
In addition to these so-called biomechanical issues, stress is also a major factor. Many common expressions, such as “grit your teeth” or “bite the bullet,” originate from this connection.
Damage to the teeth, tongue, and/or cheek is often the result of prolonged high pressure from the jaw joint. Clenching or grinding can occur both during the day (e.g., during stressful or focused moments) and at night (sometimes twice as intensely). This exerts high pressure on the molars and causes a grinding effect on the front teeth, leading to accelerated wear or even cracks. Besides dental damage, mouth sores and teeth imprints on the tongue are common, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infections. Signs of dental issues include pain when drinking cold or hot water or eating sweet or acidic foods.
Fun fact: Your jaw muscles can generate up to 100 kg of pressure on your molars.
Due to increased muscle tension, it is possible that mouth opening becomes significantly limited. There are two explanations for this: the jaw muscle has increased tension, which means the muscle stretches less and results in limited jaw opening. Or, due to the high pressure on the jaw joint, opening the mouth becomes painful and is therefore avoided.
Symptoms such as stiffness in the morning, difficulty taking large bites, or an uncomfortable feeling when yawning are important indicators.
Increased muscle tension in the jaw muscles can also affect the disc located between the jawbone and the socket in the skull. Many people recognize this by a clicking sensation when opening and closing their mouth. The jaw can also lock in an open or closed position, which is referred to as a disc dislocation. The natural movement of the jaw joint is then blocked.
Due to the high tension in the jaw muscles and their direct connection to the upper neck muscles, jaw and neck pain often occur together. Increased tension on one side of the jaw typically causes increased tension on the same side of the neck. This can lead to difficulties in turning the head, looking up or down, or general neck stiffness and pain.
Besides pain at the back of the neck, clenching the jaw can also cause a pressing sensation in the Adam’s apple area. This happens because the front neck muscles play a crucial role in keeping the head upright and are directly linked to many jaw muscles.
There are three main theories as to why jaw clenching can influence tinnitus. Firstly, the jaw joint is located close to the inner ear, so pressure in this region can lead to tinnitus. This may be noticeable, for example, if tinnitus symptoms are affected during eating, yawning, or other mouth movements.
Secondly, the ligaments of the jaw and a ligament of the middle ear are connected, meaning that stretching, irritation, or inflammation of this ligament can worsen tinnitus.
Thirdly, the nerves that register sensation in the jaw connect to the same area of the brain as the nerves involved in hearing. As a result, overstimulation of these brain regions due to jaw pain can lead to tinnitus.
