Knowing the cause of TMJ pain is the first step to making it go away

3 minute read

If you’re experiencing jaw pain or discomfort on the sides of your head, it could be related to your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). TMJ pain is typically temporary and may improve on its own or with the help of home remedies. However, sometimes there may be an underlying cause that needs professional treatment.

Read this guide to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for TMJ disorders. For personalised care, book an appointment with our experienced dentists at Kelmscott Dental.

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What is TMJ pain?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints on either side of your jaw where it connects to your skull. These joints function like hinges, allowing your jaw to open, close, and move side to side when you talk, chew, yawn, and perform other activities. The joints are cushioned by cartilage and a shock-absorbing disc.

TMJ disorders are very common with nearly half of the population experiencing symptoms at some stage in their lives. TMJ disorders tend to be more prevalent in women than men, likely due to hormonal factors influencing joint and muscle conditions​.

TMJ disorders or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) occur when these joints or the surrounding structures become strained or damaged. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder can include:

• Pain in one or both TMJ joints
• Pain or tenderness in your jaw, ear, or face
• Difficulty or painful chewing
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or the joint locking
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving your jaw

If you’re experiencing persistent TMJ pain or other symptoms, it’s important to consult a dentist. Delaying treatment could prolong discomfort and potentially worsen the problem. Contact our team today if you need an emergency dentist in Kelmscott.

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What causes TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders can arise from various causes, sometimes involving more than one factor. Common causes include:

• Displacement of the disc around the joint
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism), which strains the jaw joints
• Eating hard foods or chewing on non-food objects
• Misaligned or uneven teeth affecting your bite
• Injuries to the jaw or mouth
• Arthritis, which can damage cartilage around the joint
• Genetics or connective tissue diseases

Your dentist will work to identify the cause of your TMJ pain, using a combination of physical examination, discussion of your symptoms, and imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. This helps provide a clear picture of the condition and informs the most appropriate treatment.

How is TMJ pain treated?

In some cases, TMJ pain can resolve without treatment, but your dentist will guide you on whether professional care is needed. Treatment options can include:

Home remedies

TMJ pain can sometimes be alleviated by recognising and changing behaviours that cause tension or overuse of the TMJ joints and jaw muscles. Tips include:

• Avoiding teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Not chewing on pencils, fingernails or other non-food objects
• Not opening your mouth too wide when yawning or singing
• Avoiding hard, sticky and chewy foods while the joints heal
• Cutting food into smaller pieces to minimise chewing
• Steering clear of chewing gum

Your dentist, doctor or physical therapist may also recommend gentle exercises to help stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles. Relaxation techniques may help reduce tension and alleviate pain. Applying a warm or cold compress to the TMJ can also be soothing.

Pain relief medication

Painkillers can help with short-term relief but won’t address the root cause of the problem. Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed.

Oral splints or night guards

If your TMJ problem is related to teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism), your dentist may prescribe an oral splint or night guard. These devices protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and reduce strain on the TMJ joints. They may also help alleviate TMJ pain that’s unrelated to grinding by reducing strain on the joints.

Teeth straightening and bite adjustment