Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. These conditions can often make it difficult for you to eat and to open and close your mouth.
Many times, symptoms of TMJ disorders will resolve on their own without treatment. In severe cases, you may need surgery to repair the joint—especially if your jaw is locking or if you cannot eat due to your symptoms.
Here’s a closer look at the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of TMJ disorders, as well as your available treatment options if you are diagnosed with this condition.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
The exact cause of TMJ disorders is unknown, though many cases are caused by injury to the jaw or to the TMJ itself. TMJ disorders may also occur when cartilage in the joint becomes damaged by arthritis or when the small disc that separates bones in the TMJ breaks down or moves out of its position.
Certain factors may increase your risk for TMJ disorders, including:
- Gender (females are twice as likely to develop TMJ disorders, especially women between the ages of 35 and 44)
- Arthritis
- Chronic bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Chronic teeth clenching
- Connective tissue diseases
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Popping and clicking in the jaw is one of the most common symptoms of a TMJ disorder. If this symptom isn’t accompanied by pain, you may not need treatment.
Other symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when chewing
- Difficulty with chewing
- Pain that spreads to the face or neck
- Pain in or around the ears
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Locking of the jaw joint or limited movement of the jaw
- Changes in bite or in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Diagnosing TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can usually be diagnosed by either your primary care doctor or a dentist.
First, your provider will physically examine your jaw and have you open and close your mouth to listen and feel for signs of a TMJ disorder. If a TMJ disorder is suspected, your provider may order diagnostic tests, including dental X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.
If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, your provider will discuss your available treatment options based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
Treatments for TMJ Disorders
Your provider may suggest waiting to see if your symptoms go away on their own before initiating treatment—especially treatments like surgery that will permanently alter your teeth, bite, or jaw joints. This is mainly because most TMJ disorders eventually resolve on their own without treatment.
If your TMJ disorder does require treatment, common options include medications, therapy, and surgery.
Medications
Medications may not make your TMJ disorder go away, but they can help reduce the pain caused by your condition. Over-the-counter pain relievers, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and opioids are the most common medications used to relieve symptoms of TMJ disorders. Injections of corticosteroids or Botox may also be used to reduce pain in the jaw.
Non-Drug Therapies
Physical therapy for TMJ disorders can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles in your jaw to reduce pain and restore functionality to the jaw. Oral splints or mouth guards can help reduce or prevent teeth grinding and clenching that may be causing your disorder. Your provider may also recommend counseling in instances where stress or the inability to relax is causing nail biting or teeth grinding.
Surgery
Surgery may be performed to repair or replace a damaged TMJ. This treatment is usually only an option if your TMJ cannot be fixed with any other procedure or if you are experiencing severe pain and/or are unable to properly open and use your mouth. During surgery, a surgeon will make an incision next to your ear where the TMJ can be easily accessed and replaced or modified to improve your symptoms.
Tips For Managing TMJ Disorders
If your healthcare provider recommends waiting for your TMJ disorder to resolve on its own, there are several things you can do in the meantime to minimize your pain and discomfort.
You can take steps to manage a TMJ disorder on your own, including:
- Using hot or cold therapy. Applying a warm or cold compress to your jaw or face may help relieve pain.
- Massaging your face. Your dentist or doctor may be able to show you certain exercises or massage techniques that can stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles to reduce discomfort.
- Avoiding overuse of the jaw muscles. Eating soft foods that require little to no chewing effort can reduce pain, as can avoiding chewing gum and foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy.
- Practicing deep breathing. Deep breathing techniques can help you relax and reduce pain, especially if tense muscles are contributing to your symptoms.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may have a TMJ disorder or if the pain in your jaw is preventing you from eating food or talking. Your provider can perform an examination, run the necessary diagnostic tests, and talk to you in greater detail about all your available treatment options.
Resource Links
- “TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)” via National Institutes of Health
- “Less Is Often Best In Treating TMJ Disorders” via National Institutes of Health