TMJ Pain in Winter: Why Your Jaw Might Hurt More This Season

Blog Summary

Colder weather can do more than chill your hands; it may also trigger TMJ pain. If you’re noticing more jaw tension, headaches, or clicking when you chew this winter, Glenmore Park Dental can help. Our Calgary clinic offers expert assessment and treatment for TMJ disorders, including splint therapy, bite alignment checks, and personalized strategies to ease discomfort. Whether the cold weather is tightening your muscles or stress is clenching your jaw, we’re here to find the cause and treat it. From Glenbrook to Lakeview and beyond, contact Glenmore Park Dental if winter jaw pain is affecting your daily life. 

Why Does TMJ Pain Flare Up in Winter?


If your jaw feels tighter or more sore during the colder months, you’re not imagining it. Seasonal changes can affect the muscles and joints in your body, including your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects your jawbone to your skull and helps you chew, speak, and yawn. When it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to stiffness, clicking, pain, or even headaches.

In winter, TMJ symptoms often worsen due to a few common reasons:

  • Cold air makes muscles tense up, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
  • Seasonal stress from holidays, family obligations, and new-year pressures can increase clenching and grinding.
  • Postural changes from hunching in cold weather or sitting more indoors can affect jaw alignment.
  • Inflammation may worsen due to joint sensitivity in drier, colder conditions. 

Signs of a TMJ Problem


TMJ disorder (or TMD) can show up in different ways. You don’t have to experience all the symptoms — even one or two can affect your quality of life. Common signs include:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning or evening
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening your mouth
  • Pain while chewing, yawning, or speaking
  • Headaches or facial pain that feels like tension
  • Earaches, or a sensation of pressure in the ears
  • Locking of the jaw or reduced range of motion

If you notice these symptoms getting worse during winter, it’s worth having your jaw evaluated by a dental professional.

What Causes TMJ Pain to Get Worse in Cold Weather?

Several factors make winter a prime time for TMJ flare-ups:

Muscle Tightness from Cold Exposure 

Just like other joints, your jaw reacts to temperature. Cold air can cause surrounding muscles to tighten involuntarily, making it harder for the TMJ to move freely. This is especially noticeable in the morning when your body is already stiff from sleep.

Seasonal Stress & Teeth Clenching 

From holiday planning to financial strain, stress tends to peak during the winter season. Many people unknowingly clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) as a response, especially during sleep. This puts extra pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and inflammation.

Indoor Posture Habits 

Colder weather means more time indoors, often hunched over laptops or phones. Poor posture shifts the natural alignment of your jaw and neck, adding strain to your TMJ.

Chronic Inflammation & Weather Sensitivity 

If you already have joint issues (TMJ-related or otherwise), you may be more sensitive to temperature drops. Cold, dry air can exacerbate inflammation, increasing discomfort in affected joints.

TMJ Treatment Options at Glenmore Park Dental

At Glenmore Park Dental, we provide comprehensive care for TMJ disorders. Your treatment begins with a detailed evaluation of your bite, jaw movement, muscle tension, and any wear patterns on your teeth. Based on your symptoms, we may recommend:

  • Custom bite splints or night guards to reduce clenching/grinding
  • Jaw exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension
  • Hot/cold therapy to soothe inflamed areas
  • Posture guidance to prevent alignment-related strain
  • Referral to massage therapy or physiotherapy if additional care is needed

Our goal is to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms, so you can eat, speak, and smile without discomfort, no matter the season. 

Find Relief from Jaw Pain This Winter

If winter weather is making your TMJ symptoms worse, don’t ignore it. Early evaluation and personalized care can prevent long-term joint damage and restore your comfort. Glenmore Park Dental proudly serves Glenbrook, Lakeview, Rutland Park, and surrounding Calgary communities with TMJ assessments and solutions. Contact us today to book your appointment and get ahead of jaw pain before it becomes chronic. 

QUESTIONS RELATED TO TMJ

Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, frequent headaches, facial tension, earaches, and difficulty chewing.

Treatment options include custom night guards, Botox therapy, bite alignment, laser treatment and relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension.

Mild cases may improve with rest and stress reduction, but persistent symptoms often require professional treatment.

Common causes include stress, teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, arthritis, or previous jaw injuries.

Yes! A custom night guard prevents grinding and reduces jaw strain while you sleep.

Sessions are typically 10–20 minutes, with many patients needing a short series of treatments for lasting relief.

Diode laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to reduce inflammation and muscle tension around the jaw.

It helps by relaxing tight muscles, increasing blood flow, and stimulating healing in the soft tissues around the jaw joint. 

Laser therapy offers broader benefits—it not only eases muscle tension like Botox but also helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. Contact us to book your TMJ consultation.

ARTICLES ABOUT TMJ

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TMJ Treatment | Seasonal Jaw Pain and Cold-Weather Triggers