Teeth Grinding and TMJ Care in Aurora
A sore jaw, clicking, or teeth worn flat can all point to grinding or a jaw joint problem. Most cases improve with simple, gentle steps, and we start there.
The short answer
TMJ is the joint that hinges your lower jaw to your skull; pain or stiffness there and in the chewing muscles is called a TMJ disorder. Grinding and clenching, or bruxism, can add to it. At Aurora Gateway Dental in Aurora, your dentist examines your jaw, explains likely causes and starts with conservative care such as self-care and a guard.
- Visits
- An exam first; follow-ups depend on what helps
- Timeline
- Many people improve over weeks with self-care
- Comfort
- Gentle exam of the jaw and muscles; nothing irreversible to start
- Coverage
- Exams are often covered; guard coverage varies by plan
- Dentist
- Our dentists
At a glance
What it is
Your temporomandibular joints sit just in front of each ear. Put your fingers there and open your mouth, and you will feel them move. They work with the chewing muscles in your cheeks and temples every time you talk, eat or yawn. Problems in the joints or muscles are grouped under the name temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, though most people simply say TMJ.
Common signs are aching in the jaw, face or temples, a jaw that feels tired or tight, pain near the ear, trouble opening wide, or a jaw that catches or locks. Clicking on its own, with no pain, is common and, according to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, usually needs no treatment. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which dentists call bruxism, can happen at night or during the day when you concentrate or feel stressed. They can tire the muscles, wear the teeth and make TMJ symptoms worse.
The good news is that many jaw problems settle on their own or with simple care. Health agencies recommend starting with gentle, reversible steps: soft foods, warm or cold packs, gentle stretches, short courses of over-the-counter pain relief, and noticing daytime clenching. A custom night guard can protect your teeth and help some people's muscles relax, and our night guards page explains how they are made. Treatments that change your bite for good, such as grinding down teeth, are not recommended as a first step for TMJ pain.
Jaw pain is not always the jaw. Sinus problems, ear infections, arthritis and a toothache can feel similar, so your dentist checks for these too. If your jaw joint problem is complex, does not improve, or your jaw locks, we will explain a referral, for example to a physiotherapist or to a dental or medical colleague who focuses on jaw and facial pain.
Is it right for me?
- Your jaw aches or feels tired, especially in the morning.
- You catch yourself clenching while driving, working or using your phone.
- Your jaw clicks with pain, catches or is hard to open wide.
- You get headaches around the temples that seem linked to your jaw.
- Your dentist has noticed flat or chipped edges on your teeth.
Step by step
- Talk through your symptomsWe ask when the pain started, what makes it worse, how you sleep and whether you notice clenching during the day.
- Examine the jawYour dentist feels the jaw muscles and joints, measures how wide you can open, listens for sounds and checks your teeth for wear.
- Rule out other causesX-rays or a closer look at specific teeth may be used to rule out a cavity, cracked tooth or infection.
- Start conservative careYou get a simple self-care plan, and a night guard if your dentist feels it would help.
- Review and refer if neededAt a follow-up we see what has helped. If symptoms persist, we discuss a referral.
How it compares
| Question | Self-care | Custom night guard | Referral |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it involves | Soft food, heat or cold, stretches, habit awareness | Plastic guard worn while you sleep | Physiotherapy or a clinician focused on jaw pain |
| Reversible | Yes | Yes | Usually |
| Helps with | Muscle soreness and flare-ups | Protecting teeth, easing night clenching | Pain that persists or a locking jaw |
General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.
Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Starts with gentle steps that do not change your teeth or bite.
- Finds out whether the pain is really from the jaw or from a tooth.
- A guard can protect enamel, fillings and crowns from grinding.
- Daytime habit changes can ease tension you may not notice.
Risks and limits
- No single treatment works for everyone, and it can take time to find what helps.
- A night guard protects teeth but does not stop the urge to grind.
- A guard that does not fit well can make jaw pain worse, so follow-up matters.
- Over-the-counter pain medicines have side effects if used too long or above the dose.
- Some jaw conditions need care outside a dental office.
Cost and coverage
The cost starts with the exam and any X-rays, and then depends on whether you need a guard, follow-up adjustments or repairs to worn teeth. We use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Insurance plans vary on night guards: some cover them when wear or jaw strain is documented. We bill all plans directly and can send a predetermination. If you have the Canadian Dental Care Plan or IFHP, we check what applies to your care. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. You'll get a written estimate before any appliance is made.
What shapes your estimate
- The exam and any X-rays needed
- Whether a night guard is recommended
- Follow-up visits to adjust a guard
- Treating worn or cracked teeth caused by grinding
- Your plan's coverage for guards and jaw assessments
Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.
After your visit
- Keep your lips together and teeth apart when you are not eating.
- Choose softer foods during flare-ups and avoid gum and very chewy foods.
- Use a warm or cold pack on sore muscles for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening, which can be linked to grinding.
- Call us if your jaw locks or pain gets worse despite self-care.
Questions
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ is the name of the jaw joint itself. TMD means a disorder of that joint or the muscles around it. In everyday speech, people say TMJ for both.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Clicking without pain is common and usually does not need treatment. If the click comes with pain, catching or trouble opening, let your dentist take a look.
Why do I clench my teeth?
Stress, concentration, sleep problems, caffeine, alcohol and smoking are all linked to clenching and grinding. Many people do it without knowing. Noticing when it happens is a helpful first step.
Will a night guard fix my TMJ?
A guard can protect your teeth and may ease morning muscle soreness. It does not cure TMD, and it is usually one part of care alongside self-care habits.
Do braces or a bad bite cause TMJ problems?
Research does not show that braces or how your teeth meet cause TMD. That is why bite-changing treatment is not a first step for jaw pain.
When should I get help right away?
Call us if your jaw locks open or closed, or if you cannot open enough to eat. Go to an emergency department after an injury to the jaw or face, or if swelling affects breathing or swallowing.
Reviewed by the dentists at Aurora Gateway Dental Care. Last updated October 29, 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice.
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676 Wellington Street East, Unit 3
Aurora, ON L4G 0K3