Jaw pain and poor sleep may seem unrelated, but Dr. Amparo David, D.M.D., owner of the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New England, in Bolton, Massachusetts, says they are often interconnected—and ignoring the signs could lead to lasting health complications. “Unfortunately, many people normalize jaw clicking and don’t think it’s a problem,” notes David. “But painful jaw clicking is likely related to sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea.”

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located near the ear, connects the jaw to the skull and relies on cartilage for smooth movement. Clenching or grinding teeth—often while sleeping—can strain the joint, displace the cartilage, and lead to dysfunction. Patients may experience clicking, jaw locking or even chronic pain. Left untreated, this dysfunction may result in joint damage and increased risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack due to disrupted oxygen intake during sleep.

Through comprehensive evaluations, David and her team provide detailed evaluations for TMJ dysfunction and sleep-disordered breathing. The Centre offers targeted, non-invasive therapies including custom-made oral appliances designed to heal joints, maintain open airways and reduce the pressure caused by grinding. “These oral appliances can significantly improve sleep and your quality of life,” adds David, who encourages anyone experiencing chronic headaches, jaw discomfort or morning fatigue to seek help before the issues worsen.