Jaw arthritis - the signs to look out for and how to protect your jaw

What is jaw arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, which can make it harder to move the affected area. There are many types of arthritis, each of which can affect your body in its own way.

‘Jaw arthritis’ is an informal term for arthritis that impacts your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) - the joint just below your ears connecting your jaw to your skull. While arthritis in the TMJ is less common than some other forms of arthritis, it can significantly affect your day-to-day life.

That’s because your jaw joint is constantly in use. Every time you eat, chew, speak, or yawn, you’re using it. So, if arthritis develops in this joint, even simple everyday activities can become uncomfortable or difficult.

Dr Tom Maggs, Founder and Managing Director, Medical Consulting Group, explains that jaw arthritis is different from other causes of jaw pain because the issue comes from within the joint itself, rather than the surrounding muscles or teeth.

What causes jaw arthritis?

The causes of jaw pain vary, and not all jaw pain means you have jaw arthritis. However, these issues can fall under the broader umbrella of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Dr Soumaya Zinet, a dentist and founder of invisiblebraces4U in the UK, says TMDs can involve the muscles around your jaw, the disc within the joint, an injury, or inflammation.

“The TMJ is a joint that gets used constantly,” she explains. “Think about how many times you move your jaw in a day just from talking, eating, and swallowing.

“With arthritis, the normally smooth surfaces within the joint can gradually become damaged or irregular. The cartilage may become thinner, and the underlying bone can change shape as the joint tries to adapt. There can also be inflammation within the joint. This can translate into stiffness, pain when chewing, reduced movement, or sometimes a grinding or grating sensation.”

Maggs adds that, over time, your jaw bone can remodel and develop small growths, while the surrounding muscles may tighten in response, adding to discomfort and restricting movement. He notes that the small disc that helps your jaw glide smoothly can also become worn or displaced, potentially causing clicking or popping sounds.

However, Zinet emphasises that not every jaw ache or clicking sound is a sign of arthritis.

What are the symptoms of jaw arthritis?

According to our experts, there are several signs that could indicate you have developed jaw arthritis. However, these symptoms can also occur with other types of TMD, so they do not necessarily mean you have arthritis.

Common symptoms of jaw arthritis include:

• Pain - often felt around your ear or temple, where the jaw joint sits. You may notice it particularly when eating, yawning, or opening your mouth.

• Aching or stiffness - you may find it difficult to open your mouth fully, particularly in the morning. In some cases, your jaw may lock, either open or closed, making it painful or difficult to move into a normal position.

• Tenderness - the area around your jaw joint may feel sore or sensitive to touch.

• A grating or grinding sensation - the joint may feel as though it is catching or rubbing when you move your jaw.

• Headaches - these can also occur alongside jaw pain and tension.

• Clicking or popping sounds - although these are not necessarily a cause for concern on their own. Many people experience clicking or popping in their jaw without having arthritis or needing treatment.

Zinet advises that if your pain is persistent or worsening, particularly if it is affecting your ability to eat, speak, or open your mouth normally, you should seek medical advice.

How is jaw arthritis diagnosed?

If you suspect you may have symptoms of jaw arthritis, it’s important to seek an accurate diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional, such as your doctor or dentist.

Zinet explains that, as a dentist, the first step is usually to talk about your symptoms and carry out a physical examination.

“I'd look at your range of movement, feel your jaw joints and surrounding muscles, and listen for any clicking or grinding,” she says. “I'd also ask about previous injuries, clenching or grinding, and any other joint issues.

“If I suspect arthritis or another structural issue, imaging can be helpful. Depending on what we're looking for, that might be an X-ray, panoramic dental X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.”

Maggs adds that a dental assessment can also help rule out tooth-related causes of jaw pain. If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, blood tests may be needed. Other potential causes, including muscle strain, sinus issues, or dental infections, may also need to be ruled out before a diagnosis of jaw arthritis can be confirmed.

How is jaw arthritis treated?

Treating jaw arthritis is generally not invasive. Most people will not need surgery, and treatment typically focuses on managing the condition rather than curing it. The aim is to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and, where possible, slow its progression.

Maggs recommends self-care measures such as using heat packs, doing gentle jaw exercises, and avoiding hard or chewy foods. Physiotherapy can also help improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.

“Dental interventions, including bite splints or night guards, are useful for people who grind their teeth,” he says. “Medication may be used to manage inflammation, and lifestyle changes such as stress management and posture awareness can reduce strain on the joint. Injections may be considered in some cases, while surgery is generally reserved for severe or persistent symptoms.”

For people whose symptoms continue despite these measures, Zinet notes that specialist treatments such as arthrocentesis or arthroscopy may be considered.

Can you prevent jaw arthritis?

There’s no guarantee you can prevent jaw arthritis entirely. Some risk factors are simply outside your control - for example, a previous injury or an inflammatory joint condition may increase your chance of developing jaw arthritis regardless of what you do.

Zinet recommends speaking to your dentist if you grind your teeth, so they can help work out what’s causing it and advise you on the best way to manage it.

“Most importantly, don't assume that persistent jaw pain is something you simply have to live with,” she concludes. “There are lots of different causes of jaw pain, and getting the correct diagnosis means you can actually treat the underlying issue rather than guessing.

“And if your jaw clicks but doesn't hurt, that isn't necessarily a sign that you're developing arthritis. Clicking is very common, and in many people it doesn't require any treatment at all.”