What is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)?

Your jaw is probably not something you give much thought to. That is, of course, until you do.

If you have problems chewing or opening your mouth, or if you hear clicking or popping noises when you move your jaw, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

Your TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull (on each side of your face). It allows you to open and close your mouth, helping you to eat, talk and express things with your face. TMJ dysfunction affects this area.

The disorder is most common among people aged between 20 and 40. Women are around 4 times more likely to experience it.¹

TMJ dysfunction can affect one or both joints and surrounding muscles. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go.

Common symptoms include:

• jaw pain, stiffness, clicking or popping
• facial pain
• headaches or throbbing temples
• ear symptoms, such as earache, tinnitus and ear pressure
• tooth pain
• neck and shoulder pain
• difficulty chewing
• jaw lock.

TMJ dysfunction is caused by things like bruxism, the constant clenching or grinding of your teeth (sometimes at night). Other causes include:

• dental issues, like new fillings or dentures
• injury to your teeth, head or neck
• wear and tear from osteoarthritis
• tumours in your bones or soft tissue
• psychological factors
• problems with the nerves that transmit pain.

Sometimes, the cause of TMJ dysfunction is never discovered.

Up to 90% of people grind their teeth at some point in their lives.² However, only 5% consistently grind them with force.³

Common causes of bruxism include:

• stress and anxiety
• smoking
• caffeine consumption
• alcohol and other drug use
• certain medications
• snoring.

If you grind your teeth while sleeping, you might not realise you’re doing it. A partner may hear the sound, or you may find yourself waking up with unexplained soreness in your jaw.

As well as TMJ dysfunction, untreated teeth grinding can lead to damaged teeth, sleep disorders and facial pain.⁴

If jaw pain is bothering you, see your GP or dentist. They will do a physical examination and may send you for an X-ray, CT or MRI scan.

In most cases, TMJ dysfunction will ease over time. But there are ways to support the process:

• pain medication. Painkillers, muscle relaxants and medications for inflammation may be helpful. Putting a warm compress on the painful area is another way to ease soreness.
• mind and body techniques. Treatments like biofeedback therapy may help you gain control over involuntary body functions.⁵
• psychotherapy. Treating any underlying emotional factors may be effective.
• passive stretching exercises. Gentle stretching may help with joint movement (but it might not reduce any pain).⁶
• teeth-grinding strategies. These include wearing a special mouthguard at night, cognitive behaviour therapy, exercise and relaxation techniques.
• lifestyle changes. This may include eating softer foods, cutting food into small pieces and avoiding things like chewing gum.
• surgery. In some cases, surgery may be required to change your jaw structure.