Temporomandibular joint Information and advice for patients

What can go wrong with the TMJ?

Most patients typically present with four features; pain just in front of the ears, noise/clicking in the joint, tenderness at the back of the ears and limitations in the opening of the mouth.

Causes of TMJ dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction is caused by many things acting together:

• Clenching your teeth together. You may do this when you are worried, stressed or depressed.
• Grinding your teeth together. You can do this during the day or at night.
• Habits such as nail biting, chewing pencils, holding things in your mouth and holding the telephone between your neck and shoulder.
• Constant chewing e.g. chewing gum.

Symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction

• Jaw pain or soreness
• Jaw pain when biting, chewing or yawning
• Clicking from your jaw joint when you move it
• Stiffness or locking of your jaw joint
• Earache
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• Headaches
• Difficulty swallowing

What you can do to help TMJ dysfunction

Treatment is around self-care:

• Keep your teeth apart. The correct resting position for your jaw is to have your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting on the floor of your mouth.
• Avoid opening your mouth really wide.
• Avoid habits like nail biting or chewing gum.
• Avoid straining your neck and back with prolonged poor posture.
• Eat foods that you do not need to chew hard or for a long time.
• Wear the hard bite guard if your dentist gives you one.
• Try to reduce stress in your life if possible and do more physical exercise.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us:

ENT suite, Outpatients

Pilgrim Hospital, Boston

PE21 9QS

Telephone:  01205 446055

Clinic 6, Outpatients

Lincoln County Hospital

LN2 5QY

Telephone:  01522 573254

General statements that are made in this patient information do not apply in every case, as each patient is an individual.  Your consultant will advise you on any specific after care.