Find Relief From Difficulty Chewing

    For Patients

    Understanding TMJ and Difficulty Chewing

    Experiencing difficulty in chewing or pain when moving your jaw may be more than just muscle fatigue—it could be a sign of a TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and plays a critical role in speaking, eating, and biting. When this joint becomes strained or misaligned, it can cause TMJ difficulty chewing and even pain that radiates to the face, neck, or ears.

    At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Fernando Valley, we specialize in diagnosing and treating jaw disorders that make it difficult to chew. Through gentle, non-invasive care, our team helps restore proper jaw function and relieve discomfort so you can enjoy eating and speaking again without pain.

    Common Causes of Chewing-Related Jaw Pain

    Why It Hurts to Chew

    If you find it hard to chew jaw pain may result from muscle tension, teeth grinding, arthritis, or bite misalignment. These issues put excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and limited movement. Many patients notice popping or clicking noises, headaches, or stiffness that worsen when chewing or yawning.

    Our specialists carefully evaluate jaw movement, muscle function, and bite alignment to identify the source of your discomfort. Once we understand the root cause, we create a custom plan to relieve pressure on the joint and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

    Personalized TMJ Treatment for Lasting Relief

    How We Treat Difficulty Chewing

    Our approach to treating TMJ difficulty chewing focuses on balance, alignment, and muscle relaxation. We may use custom oral appliances to reduce strain, along with physical therapy techniques that retrain the jaw to move comfortably and efficiently.

    For patients with severe inflammation or muscle spasms, targeted therapies may be recommended to relieve pain and restore flexibility. With personalized treatment, most patients experience less tension, smoother movement, and improved ability to chew comfortably.

    Get Professional Help for Jaw Pain and Chewing Problems

    If it’s become difficult to chew or you’re living with persistent jaw pain, professional TMJ care can make all the difference. The TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Fernando Valley offers compassionate, evidence-based treatments designed to relieve discomfort and restore proper jaw function. Schedule your consultation today and start enjoying meals without pain.

    Common Questions about Difficult Chewing in the San Fernando Valley

    Frequently Asked Questions about Difficulty Chewing in the San Fernando Valley

    Q: What causes TMJ difficulty chewing?

    A: When the jaw joint or surrounding muscles are misaligned, inflamed, or overworked, chewing can become painful. TMJ difficulty chewing often results from teeth grinding, stress, or poor bite alignment.

    Q: Why does my jaw hurt when it’s hard to chew?

    A: Experiencing hard to chew jaw pain is often a sign of strain or dysfunction in the TMJ. Inflammation or tightness in the jaw muscles can make chewing uncomfortable or even cause locking sensations.

    Q: Can TMJ treatment help with difficulty in chewing?

    A: Yes. With proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, difficulty in chewing caused by TMJ disorder can be significantly reduced. Therapies that relax and realign the jaw often provide lasting relief.

    Q: What can I do if it’s difficult to chew without pain?

    A: If it’s difficult to chew, avoid hard foods, apply warm compresses, and seek a TMJ evaluation. Early treatment can prevent long-term joint damage and restore natural jaw movement.

    Q: How long does it take to recover from TMJ-related chewing pain?

    A: Recovery time depends on the severity of your condition and adherence to treatment. Many patients experience noticeable improvement within weeks of starting care.

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Fernando Valley

    Stephanie

    5.0 ★★★★★

    I first heard about this place when my jaw developed severe pain.l, and it would lock up and I could barely eat!!! In the short time of 12 weeks the pain was entirely gone... and my jaw stops locking up I’m so thankful so Dr. Ariz and this treatment everyone is so nice and friendly highly recommend!

    Johnathan

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Dr. Ariz is a great doctor who knows what hes doing. I came in with a bunch of pain with tmj and now im way better.

    Maranda

    5.0 ★★★★★

    The whole staff is great. They have been so helpful and thorough as far as fixing my TMJ disorder. You really get a lot of care so it's definitely worth the money to not be in constant pain. I've only been going a few weeks and can already feel a huge difference.