Many of the tmj symptoms are easily treated using conservative, reversible remedies. It is important to exhaust these before moving on to more involved, irreversible treatments.

Home treatments include avoiding foods that aggravate the condition (like chewing gum or beef jerky), jaw-stretching exercises and over-the-counter pain relievers. For more severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants.

Pain in the jaw

Pain or tenderness in the chewing muscles or jaw joint, swelling of the face or neck, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, clicking or popping sounds in the joint, a change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. Other symptoms include ringing in the ears, headaches and dizziness. Untreated TMJ can lead to worn-down enamel, loss of teeth, asymmetrical muscle growth and the development of tooth grinding and clenching, which may contribute to arthritis of the jaw joints.

A doctor can diagnose TMD by asking questions about when the pain started, its severity and whether it gets better or worse with certain activities, such as chewing or yawning. The doctor may also perform a physical exam of your jaw, the surrounding muscles and joints.

Ear pain

TMJ is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to the skull. It is located on both sides of the head in front of your ears. It is one of the most used joints in your body, moving hundreds if not thousands of times a day.

A problem with this joint can cause ear pain, which is often misdiagnosed. The pain can be sharp and achy or more subtle, such as a clicking sensation in the ear or a sore throat when you chew or yawn.

Sometimes referred pain from diseases in other parts of the body can appear as ear pain, such as tonsil infections or tooth decay. These diseases can also affect the TMJs and other organs in your head and neck.

Headaches

A headache that is accompanied by jaw pain, popping or clicking, or limited mouth movement is often a sign of TMJ disorders. Other symptoms include ringing or buzzing in the ears, and difficulty chewing or opening your mouth.

TMJ disorder can also cause a general feeling of tiredness, or neck pain. These symptoms usually go away on their own, but a doctor may recommend treatment to help reduce them.

Stress, changes in weather (strong winds or storms), bright lights or strong smells can trigger migraine headaches. Hormonal changes can also trigger them, especially if you have menstrual migraines. Medications like antidepressants, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can make them worse for some women. Medications that increase blood flow to the brain, such as vasodilators, can also trigger them.

Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth

If you have difficulty opening your mouth when chewing or speaking, have pain in the jaw muscles, ringing in the ears, or a clicking or popping sound in the joint, seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms may be a sign of TMJ disorder.

TMJ problems usually develop in a vicious cycle. The more a person clenches and grinds their teeth, the more they will experience muscle and joint pain, which causes emotional stress. This emotional stress leads to more clenching and grinding, which causes more pain, joint stiffness, and functional problems.

Fortunately, dentists and other healthcare professionals can offer treatments that relieve pain, increase jaw function, reduce or eliminate headaches, and help with other tmj symptoms. These treatments can include medications (such as pain and anti-inflammatory), physical therapy, or surgery to treat a damaged or misaligned jaw.

Sleep problems

Many people do not realize that TMJ disorder can cause sleep problems. Pain and other symptoms related to the temporomandibular joint can interfere with sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Waking up with a sore jaw or headache is another common sign of TMJ-related sleep issues.

Those with TMJ disorders may also have sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing that can occur dozens of times per hour. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help address both TMJ and sleep problems to restore optimal health.

Your specialist can recommend daily jaw exercises and relaxation practices to reduce discomfort and improve your sleep. They can also teach you to prioritize healthy sleep habits, such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime environment.