What is it?
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and both hinges and slides. Problems arising in this joint or in the muscles that move it are grouped as TMJ disorder.
Symptoms range widely: a click on opening, pain in front of the ear, headaches starting at the temples, fatigue when chewing and sometimes brief locking of the jaw. A painless click on its own needs no treatment.
Signs
You will not necessarily have all of these at once.
Why does it happen?
- 01
Clenching and grinding
Sustained load on the joint and muscles is the most frequent background to TMJ complaints.
- 02
Disc displacement
Slippage of the cartilage disc inside the joint is the classic cause of the click on opening.
- 03
Trauma
A blow to the jaw or procedures requiring long periods of wide opening can strain the joint.
- 04
Bite problems
Missing teeth or ill-fitting restorations force the jaw to work in an unbalanced position.
How is it treated?
Treatment almost always starts at the most conservative level: a softer diet, warm compresses, avoiding wide opening and chewing gum, and a short course of muscle relaxants if needed. The majority of cases settle at this stage.
If that doesn't help, an occlusal splint, physiotherapy and an exercise programme follow. Surgery is considered only for a limited group with a demonstrable structural joint problem that hasn't responded to conservative care.
How is it prevented?
- Limit chewing gum and very hard foods
- Support your jaw with your hand when you yawn
- Don't wedge the phone between shoulder and ear
- Replace missing teeth; an unbalanced bite strains the joint
Frequently asked questions
- My jaw clicks but doesn't hurt; do I need treatment?
- Usually not. Without pain, locking or loss of function, a noisy joint is simply monitored.
- Does TMJ disorder go away?
- Most cases improve markedly with conservative treatment. The process can take weeks and requires patience.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.