More than you CAN CHEW

Here's why you shouldn't ignore a sore jaw

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Whether you’re a habitual jaw clencher – please take this as your reminder to unclench – or can’t bite into a sandwich without hearing a popping noise, most of us are familiar with jaw clicking, grinding, tension and even pain. Yet, as jaw pain can affect how we eat, speak and sleep, knowing the underlying causes can prevent further health problems. Dr Sam Guirguis, lead dentist at Natural Dentistry in Sydney, tells WHO about the root causes of jaw pain and what you can do about them.

1. TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDER

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is the leading cause of jaw pain, according to Dr Guirguis.

“TMD is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects the jaw to the skull,” he explains. “TMD can result in symptoms such as jaw pain, difficulty when chewing, clicking or popping sounds and headaches.”