Teeth grinding and jaw pain
Grinding or clenching your teeth, often at night, can wear teeth down and cause jaw pain, headaches or clicking in the jaw joint (TMJ). Many people do not know they do it. Ask us about teeth grinding or jaw pain.
Common signs
- Worn, flat or chipped teeth
- Jaw pain or tired jaw muscles in the morning
- Clicking or stiffness when opening the mouth
- Headaches near the temples
- Sensitive teeth
- A partner hearing grinding at night
What you can do at home
- Eat soft food for a few days when the jaw is sore.
- Avoid chewing gum and very hard or chewy food.
- Use a warm cloth on the jaw muscles.
- Notice clenching during the day and relax your jaw: lips together, teeth apart.
- Reduce stress and caffeine where you can.
When to see a dentist
- Jaw pain that lasts more than a week or two
- Teeth that are wearing, chipping or getting sensitive
- Your jaw locks, or you cannot open fully
- Pain in a tooth when biting
How we can help
We check your teeth, bite and jaw joints, and look for wear or cracks. We explain your options, which may include a night guard to protect the teeth and simple jaw care. Tooth pain can also feel like jaw pain, so we check for that too.
Common questions
Can tooth pain feel like jaw pain?
Yes. An infected or cracked tooth can cause pain in the jaw, ear or head. A check-up helps find the cause.
What is a night guard?
A thin, custom-made cover worn on the teeth at night to protect them from grinding.
Jaw pain or grinding?
Message Dr S. Barath Kumar on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book a visit.
Gentle Touch Dental Clinic · U 74, New No 58, 5th Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040 (near Tower Park). Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Sunday: closed; emergency appointments on call at +91 98840 15026. Get directions.
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
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