TMJ Pain Management

July 24, 2026

For Overworked Jaw Muscles

Jaw pain can intrude on your day more than you might think. You may wake up with tight cheeks, feel an ache near your ears while you work, or catch yourself rubbing your temples by midafternoon. Eating can become uncomfortable, your neck may tense up, and even opening wide enough for a sandwich can feel like work.

Maybe your jaw clicks or pops, or maybe it simply feels tired, sore, and overworked by the end of the day.

More Than a Jaw Joint

Jaw pain can come from the joint or the surrounding muscles, or both. Clenching and grinding often contribute to the problem, though many people have no idea they're doing it. You may tighten your jaw while driving, answering emails, or concentrating on a task, then realize later that your cheeks and temples feel sore. Those muscles can stay tense for hours before you start to notice the pain.

What Are You Feeling?

Does your jaw hurt most in the morning? Does it get tired during dinner? Have headaches, stiffness, or painful clicking become a regular part of your week?

With this information, Dr. Spaulding can know where to look. We can feel for sore or overworked muscles, watch how your jaw opens and closes, and check for wear or other changes that may offer clues.

Giving the Muscles a Break

Relief can start with simple changes like skipping gum for a while, noticing when their teeth are clenched during the day, or applying warmth to tight muscles.

For some patients, an oral appliance or physical therapy may help. We may also recommend working with another provider when the problem involves more than the jaw alone.

Eating, speaking, and getting through your day without constantly thinking about your jaw should be the norm. If soreness or muscle tension keeps returning, call Spaulding Dental Co. in Gig Harbor and let’s take a closer look.