Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

The symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• pain in the facial or jaw muscles
• earache, tinnitus or hearing loss
• grating, clicking or popping sounds when your joints move
• a strange or uneven bite – feeling like your teeth don’t fit together well
• your jaw locking open or closed
• headaches
• neck pain.

The image below shows the temporomandibular joint in action as the jaw opens and closes. 

It's not always possible to identify what has caused a TMJ problem. However, some things that can lead to symptoms include:

• a blow/hit to the head or jaw
• tooth grinding or jaw clenching
• dental problems causing poor alignment between top and bottom teeth
• excessive chewing (eg, chewing gum or fingernails).

For many people TMJ disorders get better with self-care. Here are some things you can try to relieve symptoms and prevent them from returning:

• Rest your jaw as much as possible.
• Eat soft foods, like pasta, omelettes or soup.
• Don’t chew gum or bite your nails.
• Avoid extreme jaw movements, eg, yawning, shouting or singing.
• Use stress management techniques to help you relax your jaw muscles.
• Apply warm or cold compresses depending on which feels better.
• Take pain medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
• Jaw exercises may be helpful.

See your healthcare provider if your pain:

• is severe enough to affect your daily life (especially if you’re unable to eat or drink)
• disturbs your sleep
• goes away but keeps coming back.

To get the best treatment, you may need to be referred to different experts, eg, a dentist, physiotherapist, oral surgeon or ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Some people may need to have surgery.