Waking up with a tight jaw, clicking when you chew, or a headache that seems to start near your ears? These can all be signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder — a common condition affecting the joints and muscles that move your jaw.
The team at Dentistry On Bay in downtown Toronto explains how TMJ problems can cause headaches, simple jaw exercises that may help, and when to see a dentist for treatment such as a custom night guard.
Quick Answer: Can TMJ Cause Headaches?
Yes. TMJ disorders often cause tension-type headaches around the temples, forehead or behind the eyes, usually alongside jaw pain, clicking, stiffness or teeth grinding. Gentle jaw exercises, heat, stress management and a custom night guard can help. If symptoms last more than a couple of weeks or your jaw locks, see a dentist for an assessment.
Common TMJ Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face or around the ears
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping or grating when you open your mouth
- Difficulty opening wide or a jaw that feels “stuck”
- Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth from grinding or clenching
What Causes TMJ Pain?
- Clenching or grinding (bruxism), often during sleep or stress
- Muscle tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders
- Bite problems or missing teeth that change how the jaw moves
- Joint inflammation or injury
- Posture habits, such as long hours looking down at a phone or laptop
Gentle TMJ Exercises to Try at Home
Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain, and check with your dentist or physiotherapist if you’re unsure.
1. Relaxed jaw
Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth, let your teeth come slightly apart and relax your jaw muscles. Repeat several times a day.
2. Controlled opening
Keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth, slowly open and close your mouth within a comfortable range, 5–10 times.
3. Chin tucks
Sit tall, gently draw your chin straight back to make a “double chin”, hold for 3 seconds and repeat 10 times to ease neck and jaw tension.
4. Gentle side-to-side movement
Place a thin object such as a pencil between your front teeth and slowly move your jaw side to side, 5–10 times.
Other Ways to Relieve TMJ Headaches
- Apply moist heat or a cold pack to the jaw for 10–15 minutes.
- Choose softer foods and avoid chewing gum.
- Notice daytime clenching and remind yourself: “lips together, teeth apart.”
- Manage stress with breathing exercises, stretching or regular activity.
How a Dentist Can Help
A dentist can examine your jaw, bite and teeth for signs of grinding and recommend treatment such as a custom night guard (occlusal splint), bite adjustments, or referral to a physiotherapist or specialist when needed. Learn more about our TMJ treatment options.
TMJ Treatment in Downtown Toronto
If jaw pain, clicking or morning headaches are affecting your day, Dentistry On Bay can assess your bite and recommend TMJ treatment such as a custom night guard. Visit us at 790 Bay St., Suite 1020, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, near Bay and College and a short walk from College Station. New patients, families and CDCP patients are welcome.
Request an appointment or call 416-924-0437.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ cause headaches?
How do I know if my headache is from TMJ?
Do TMJ exercises really work?
What does a dentist do for TMJ?
When should I see a dentist for jaw pain?
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Please book an exam for advice about your own teeth.