Difficulty Chewing and TMJ Disorders

    For Patients

    Why Does My Jaw Get Tired When I Chew?

    If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my jaw get tired when I chew?”, TMJ dysfunction may be one possible contributing factor. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and surrounding muscles work together every time you chew, speak, yawn, or swallow. When these structures become strained or dysfunctional, everyday activities such as eating can become uncomfortable.

    Many patients experiencing difficulty chewing report jaw fatigue, muscle soreness, stiffness, or pain while eating. In some cases, symptoms may gradually worsen, making it increasingly difficult to enjoy meals or chew certain foods comfortably.

    A comprehensive TMJ evaluation can help determine whether jaw dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms.

    How TMJ Disorders Can Cause Difficulty Chewing

    The jaw joints and muscles are responsible for the complex movements required for chewing. When these muscles become overworked or the joints are not functioning properly, patients may experience:

    • Jaw fatigue while eating
    • Pain when chewing
    • Difficulty opening the mouth fully
    • Clicking or popping jaw joints
    • Muscle tightness in the face and jaw
    • Jaw locking or restricted movement
    • Tenderness around the temples, cheeks, or ears

    For many individuals, TMJ difficulty chewing develops alongside other symptoms such as headaches, facial pain, neck tension, or teeth grinding.

    Difficulty Chewing Treatment in New Orleans

    Common Signs of TMJ-Related Chewing Problems

    TMJ disorders may contribute to:

    Jaw Gets Tired When Chewing

    One of the most common complaints is a jaw that becomes fatigued after eating for only a short period of time. Overworked jaw muscles may struggle to maintain normal function during meals.

    Hard to Chew Because of Jaw Pain

    Patients often describe it as being hard to chew due to jaw pain, especially when eating foods that require more force or repetitive chewing.

    Difficulty in Chewing Certain Foods

    Crunchy, chewy, or dense foods may aggravate symptoms and increase discomfort in the jaw joints and muscles.

    Jaw Pain That Worsens During Meals

    Pain that increases while chewing may indicate excessive strain on the jaw muscles or temporomandibular joints.

    What Can Contribute to Difficulty Chewing?

    Several factors may be associated with chewing discomfort, including:

    • TMJ dysfunction
    • Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
    • Jaw muscle tension
    • Bite imbalances
    • Joint inflammation
    • Previous jaw injury or trauma
    • Chronic stress-related muscle activity

    Because multiple conditions can cause chewing difficulties, a professional evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause.

    Treatment for TMJ-Related Difficulty Chewing

    At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, located in Metairie, Louisiana, we provide comprehensive evaluations for patients experiencing difficulty chewing, jaw fatigue, and TMJ-related discomfort.

    Depending on your specific condition, treatment recommendations may include:

    • Custom TMJ orthotic therapy
    • Bite stabilization appliances
    • Jaw muscle relaxation techniques
    • Functional jaw assessments
    • Lifestyle and habit modifications

    Every treatment plan is customized based on your symptoms, jaw function, and overall clinical findings.

    Find Answers for Difficulty Chewing and Jaw Pain

    If your jaw gets tired when chewing, eating has become uncomfortable, or it has become increasingly difficult to chew, an evaluation may help identify whether TMJ dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms.

    Schedule an appointment with the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans in Metairie, LA, to learn more about your treatment options and take the next step toward improved jaw comfort and function.

    TMJ Difficulty Chewing in New Orleans

    Frequently Asked Questions About Trouble Chewing in New Orleans

    Q. Why does my jaw get tired when I chew?

    A. If your jaw gets tired when chewing, it may be a sign of TMJ dysfunction. When the jaw joint or surrounding muscles are strained, they can fatigue more quickly, making it uncomfortable to chew for extended periods.

    Q. What causes difficulty in chewing?

    A. Difficulty in chewing is often caused by issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscle tension, or bite misalignment. These problems can make normal jaw movement feel restricted or painful.

    Q. Is TMJ difficulty chewing common?

    A. Yes, TMJ difficulty chewing is a common symptom of jaw disorders. When the joint isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to discomfort, stiffness, and reduced range of motion while eating.

    Q. Why is it hard to chew with jaw pain?

    A. When you experience hard to chew jaw pain, it’s usually due to inflammation or strain in the jaw muscles and joints. This can make simple movements like chewing feel uncomfortable or even painful.

    Q. What should I do if it’s difficult to chew?

    A. If it’s becoming difficult to chew, it’s important to have your jaw evaluated. Early treatment can help address the root cause and prevent symptoms from worsening over time.

    Q. What treatments are available for chewing-related TMJ issues?

    A. Treatment for TMJ difficulty chewing may include oral appliance therapy, muscle relaxation techniques, and other non-invasive options designed to restore proper jaw function and reduce discomfort.
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      Learn more about what our patients have to say

      about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans

      Very Rev. Philip G. Landry

      5.0 ★★★★★

      Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2003, I was fitted for a head-gear breathing apparatus to alleviate the condition. After struggling with discomfort and lack of sleep, I discontinued use of the device. During a visit to my cardiologist in 2017, I was ordered to take another sleep test which revealed that the condition had reached a dangerous level and that it must be addressed immediately. I shared with Dr. G. Johnson my concerns from the past and he informed me that a new mouth piece for this sleep disorder was available and referred me to Dr. Terry Billings, DDS.

      I contacted Dr. Billings and during my first appointment with him, after a series of tests, he determined that I had another condition, TMJ, which would have to be treated before addressing the sleep disorder. He explained to me that I would have to wear mouthpieces, one by day and one by night, for twelve weeks to correct this issue. My instant reaction was that as a Catholic priest serving as the rector of the St. Louis Cathedral, I often celebrate televised Masses during which a mouthpiece would certainly be a deterrent. Dr. Billings patiently and understandingly explained that I really had no option but assured me that he would be able to make weekly adjustments to the mouthpieces that would help with these concerns.

      Now as I approach the final weeks of this treatment, I am pleased to share that I have been most satisfied with the care and attention of both Dr. Billings and his staff. The level of professionalism and proficiency which I have experienced in the weekly office visits have made a challenging issue bearable. It is amazing to me what the treatment of the TMJ has done for my overall health and well-being and as I now await the mouthpiece to address my sleep disorder I am most grateful to Dr. Billings for his diagnosis and excellent treatment during this period of preparation for it.

      Arden Ballard, PA-C, MS

      5.0 ★★★★★

      You don’t hear that often about a dentist, but his attention to detail, meticulous examination and in-office testing led to uncovering a severely deviated septum that needed prompt surgical intervention. I’m forever grateful for him and his entire staff.

      Dr. Billings noticed that I checked yes to a few items on his questionnaire. When he began asking about my fatigue, sluggish feeling, etc. I blamed it on the kids and being a parent of two young boys. After his dental exam, he insisted that there could be more to my symptoms. After a chat, we decided to do an in-office Facial CT scan. It’s been 4 years since I had one, so I agreed. Everything was promptly scheduled, and their text reminders kept me on schedule.

      I did the CT scan, and Dr. Billings pointed out my severely deviated septum and recommended I get a prompt ENT evaluation. I brought a printout of the CT to my next appointment, and I ended up having sinus surgery 3 weeks later.

      Immediately after surgery, I knew something was different. After healing, I was sleeping better, breathing better and, sure enough, less sluggish and not reaching for my 3pm coffee. All from going to the dentist.

      My teeth look great, too!

      Dr. Billings has opened my eyes to understand that dentists are part of the entire medical team, and when using their training to the fullest, they can change lives.