What is the TMJ?
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the small hinge joint just in front of each ear that connects your lower jaw to your skull. You use it every time you talk, chew, yawn, or laugh — thousands of times a day.
When this joint and the muscles around it are not working smoothly, it is called a TMJ disorder. It is very common, and it affects people of all ages.
Why does the pain happen?
TMJ pain usually comes from the joint being overloaded or moving in the wrong way. Common reasons include:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep or when stressed
- Stress and anxiety, which keep the jaw muscles tight
- A bite that does not line up properly, so the joint works harder
- A blow to the jaw or a whiplash-type injury
- Habits like chewing gum for long periods, biting nails, or resting your chin on your hand
- Arthritis affecting the joint
Signs you should get checked
- Pain or tenderness near the ear, jaw, or cheek — especially when chewing
- A clicking, popping, or grating sound when you open or close your mouth
- Your jaw locking or getting stuck, open or closed
- Headaches, or a dull ache around the temples
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Ear pain, ringing, or a blocked feeling with no ear infection
How is TMJ pain managed?
The good news: most TMJ pain settles with simple, non-surgical care. After examining your jaw, bite, and the way you open and close, Dr. P Meghana will suggest what fits your case — see our TMJ pain management service for the full picture. Treatment may include:
- Resting the jaw — soft foods for a while, and avoiding wide yawns and gum
- Warm or cold compresses and gentle jaw exercises
- A custom night guard to stop grinding and take pressure off the joint
- An orthotic splint — a custom-made appliance that holds the jaw in a more relaxed, stable position, letting the joint and muscles settle. It is the main treatment when the joint itself is the problem
- TENS therapy — a painless treatment that uses gentle electrical pulses to relax tight jaw muscles and ease pain, often done before fitting a splint to find the jaw's most relaxed position
- Managing stress, since a tense jaw is a major driver
- Correcting the bite where an uneven bite is the underlying cause
- Medication for short-term pain and muscle relief when needed
Get your jaw checked at The Tooth Stop
If you have jaw pain, clicking, or a jaw that locks, come in for an assessment. A short examination tells us whether it is a muscle problem, a joint problem, or a bite problem — and the earlier we see it, the simpler the treatment.
Book an appointment at The Tooth Stop, BTM Layout, Bangalore through our appointment page, or WhatsApp us at +91 8618 910 357.