How TMJ and Ear Pain Are Related?

Dental Care Burke • March 8, 2022

Experts estimate that over 10,000 people suffer from TMJ disorder symptoms. TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, plays a critical role in your mouth and ear health.

When individuals think of TMJ, they immediately think of your mouth. However, since your body parts work in sync and are not independent of each other, pain in your ear can stem from a problem with your jaw.

Looking for a "TMJ Dr near me" can actually begin solving your hearing problems and ear pain. Keep reading to learn about the interesting connection between ear pain and jaw problems and how a TMJ dentist can help you with your discomfort.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the joint where your jawbone meets your skull, connecting the bones in your skull to the mandible, or your lower jaw bone. Every time you open your mouth, you engage your TMJ.

Because your TMJ sits right next to your ear, any problems with the TMJ can cause problems for your ear. Thus ear pain or discomfort can stem from TMJ disorder.

How the Ears and Jaw Work Together

Muscles control the simple, small movements in our ears just like they do in our faces. Whenever we smile or frown, we engage those facial muscles. When you open your mouth, your muscles engage, pulling on the ligaments and bone, causing the joint to engage and your mouth to open.

If you have an inflamed TMJ, it will cause ear pain because it sits right next to your auditory canal. In the same way, if you sustain a blow to your jaw, your ear will hurt. Malfunctioning TMJ muscles will put pressure on your nerves and ear, causing extreme discomfort.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

When your TMJ works as it should, you will not even notice problems with your ear. After all, there's no trauma to the joint near this important organ. However, if you have TMJ disorder, you'll notice a variety of odd ear functions.

The problems begin with basic hearing problems such as tinnitus or the sensation that your ears hear ringing. You may have shooting pain in your ears or a popping sensation. When you chew or speak, you'll feel pain in your ears, and even when the sharp pain goes away, you will feel a constant low-intensity ache.

Here are a few of the other basic symptoms in addition to ear problems:

Headaches and migraines more than twice a week regularly
Cracked teeth because of a misaligned pressurized bite
Bruxism or teeth grinding, especially at night
Neck, jaw, and shoulder pain

Any combination of these symptoms indicates a problem with your TMJ and a potential disorder. You do not have to live with the pain and discomfort of a TMJ disorder though. There is help.

Treating TMJ

If you suspect a TMJ disorder because of the previous symptoms, begin a search for "TMJ dentists near me" or "TMJ dentist in Orlando" first. As you wait for your appointment, you can treat your symptoms with a few different techniques.

Relax

If you have a high-stress lifestyle and tend to clench your jaw, focus on relaxing your jaw. Make a point of not chewing, singing, yawning, or yelling as you focus on resting your jaw muscles.

Focus on Posture

Good posture affects many parts of your health. It can affect your digestion, your sleep patterns, and in this case, your jaw pain.

If you have a job that requires you to sit, take walk breaks or invest in a standing desk. Sitting in a slouching position for a long period of time will cause more jaw pain.

If you cannot stand frequently, then purchase a chair with adequate back support. Drink plenty of water throughout the day so you have frequent restroom breaks and force yourself to take short walks.

If you drive for long periods of time, focus on sitting upright. Make your seat as upright as it goes to give yourself the best chance at ideal posture. If you spend the evening watching television, put a pillow behind your back to support your posture.

Sleep

Focus on your jaw and ear as you prepare to go to bed at night. Sleep on your back with plenty of pillows under your neck. Do not sleep on your stomach if at all possible.

If you must sleep on your side, do not rest your jaw on your hands.

Heat and Cool Your Jaw

Icing your sore jaw will reduce inflammation. Heat will increase circulation and help your muscles relax. Thus, you should rotate heating and cooling every 15 to 20 minutes to alleviate your pain.

Exercise

Your jaw muscles need purposeful exercise as well. Take some time to stretch them, strengthen them, and relax them. Specific techniques will improve the muscles and help alleviate your symptoms.

Avoid Bad Habits

Your teeth exist for chewing food. Yet humans find uncanny ways to use them for everyday tasks. Reserve your chewing for food only and not for breaking off a fishing line or chewing your nails.

Here are a few other bad habits to avoid:

Clenching your jaw
Pushing your tongue against teeth
Resing your jaw on a hand
Grinding teeth
Clenching teeth
Chewing on lips and cheeks

Stay focused on how you're using your teeth and jaw. Use your mouth for eating and smiling, and that's it.

Eat and Behave Purposefully

Avoid unnecessary hard work for your jaw as you await your appointment. This means you should minimize yawning and yelling which would strain your jaw. Keep your food portions small, and focus on eating softer foods as well while completely eliminating chewing gum from your daily regimen.

TMJ Professional Treatment

You can work on taking care of your jaw by completing the previous tasks at home while you wait for a dentist appointment. Once you visit a TMJ dentist, they will come up with the best TMJ dentist treatment for your condition.

If you have a severe condition, the TMJ dentist may recommend surgical treatment for a more permanent solution. Seek out a professional with TMJ disorder experience. you unnecessary pain.

Go to the Pros

If you're suffering from constant ear pain, you may not have a problem with your ears at all. Consider the full spectrum of symptoms for TMJ disorder, and then begin the search for a "TMJ Dr near me."

Are you suffering from TMJ disorder symptoms? If so, contact us. We have extensive experience in helping patients find relief from TMJ disorder.

Give us a call today so we can bring you some relief

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An elderly man is holding his ear because he has a headache.

The Surprising Connection Between Stress and TMJ Pain

By Dental Care Burke • February 27, 2025

Explore the link between TMJ and stress. Learn how stress contributes to TMJ pain and discover effective management techniques for relief.

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How to Prevent TMJ Pain

By Dental Care Burke • February 27, 2025

Have you ever felt an unexplained ache in your jaw, a throbbing headache, or discomfort while eating? These may be early signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, affecting millions. Research from the Nature Journal indicates that 40-70% of individuals experience some temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. Learning to prevent TMJ dental pain is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health and avoiding chronic discomfort. Explore the following expert-backed strategies to keep your jaw pain-free and functioning as it should. Understanding TMJ Disorders The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. It enables essential movements like speaking, chewing, and yawning. Disorders of this joint, commonly referred to as TMJ disorders , can lead to: Jaw pain or tenderness Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw Headaches and earaches Facial pain or swelling A locked jaw, making it difficult to open or close your mouth TMJ pain can stem from various factors, including: Injury Arthritis Misalignment of the jaw Stress Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for effective prevention and management. Causes of TMJ Pain Many people suffer from jaw discomfort without realizing what is causing it. It is essential to understand its common causes to prevent pain from TMJ: Bruxism (teeth grinding): Stress or misaligned teeth can lead to unconscious grinding, especially during sleep, putting excessive pressure on the TMJ Poor posture: Slouching or hunching can misalign the spine and jaw, increasing tension in the TMJ area Stress: Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, leading to jaw clenching and subsequent TMJ discomfort Jaw injuries: Trauma to the jaw or head can damage the TMJ, resulting in pain and functional issues Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis can affect the TMJ , causing pain and restricted movement Preventive Measures for TMJ Pain Preventing TMJ pain requires a proactive approach that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and awareness of contributing factors. Implementing the following strategies can help prevent TMJ dental pain. Practice Good Posture Poor posture can contribute to unnecessary stress on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Maintaining proper posture reduces strain on the TMJ : Sit upright: Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed to support jaw alignment Use Ergonomic furniture: Ensure your workspace promotes a neutral posture, with screens at eye level and supportive seating Avoid forward head posture: Holding your head forward while looking at screens can place unnecessary strain on the jaw and neck muscles Manage Stress Stress directly impacts muscle tension , which can exacerbate jaw discomfort. Chronic stress affects mental well-being and leads to physical manifestations such as jaw clenching and muscle tightness. Reducing stress can prevent habits that contribute to TMJ pain: Engage in relaxation techniques : Activities like meditation and deep breathing exercises can alleviate stress-induced jaw tension Regular physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally reduce stress and muscle tension Get enough sleep : Poor sleep increases stress levels and can lead to nighttime teeth-grinding Avoid Harmful Habits Unconscious daily habits can unknowingly put excessive strain on the jaw. Pain from TMJ can be exacerbated by certain behaviors such as: Chewing gum: Excessive chewing can overwork the jaw muscles Nail biting and pen chewing: These habits place unnecessary stress on the TMJ Jaw clenching: Pay attention to the tension in your jaw throughout the day and consciously relax the muscles Perform Jaw Exercises Incorporating movement into your daily routine can enhance overall jaw function and reduce tension. Regular exercises can strengthen jaw muscles and improve flexibility: Gentle stretching: Slowly open and close your mouth, moving the jaw side to side to maintain range of motion Resistance training: Apply light pressure to your chin while opening your mouth to build muscle strength Massage therapy: Massaging the jaw and surrounding muscles can promote relaxation and improve circulation, reducing stiffness Maintain Proper Dental Care Taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial in preventing TMJ pain. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are vital: Regular check-ups: Dentists can identify early signs of TMJ issues and guide prevention Address dental problems: Misaligned teeth or bite issues should be corrected to prevent additional stress on the TMJ Wear a nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-made nightguard can prevent excessive pressure on the jaw joint Eat a Jaw-Friendly Diet Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining jaw health and reducing discomfort. Certain foods can either alleviate or worsen TMJ pain relief: Soft foods: Eating softer foods reduces strain on the jaw Avoid hard or chewy foods: Nuts, raw vegetables, and chewy meats can aggravate pain from TMJ Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps muscles hydrated and reduces cramping When to Seek Professional Help If preventive measures do not alleviate your TMJ pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can develop a personalized treatment plan , which may include: Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to manage discomfort Dental appliances: Custom-made mouthguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding and align the jaw properly Neuromuscular dentistry : This approach focuses on jaw alignment and muscle relaxation to achieve long-term relief from TMJ dental pain TMJ Pain Relief Through Professional Dental Care Seeking professional dental care is ideal for TMJ pain relief. A specialist can assess your condition and recommend advanced treatments , including: Bite adjustments: Correcting the alignment of your teeth to reduce jaw strain Dental Tensing : A technique used to relax and retrain the jaw muscles Orthodontic solutions: Braces or aligners may be necessary to correct misalignment and ease pain from TMJ Preventing TMJ Dental Pain Understanding the causes and preventive strategies for TMJ dental pain empowers you to take control of your health. Adopting good posture, managing stress, avoiding harmful habits, performing jaw exercises, and maintaining proper dental care can reduce the risk of developing TMJ pain. If you are experiencing persistent jaw pain or related symptoms, it is time to seek professional assistance. Dr. Lynch, recognized in the Northern Virginia Dentist publication, offers TMJ and TMD dentistry expertise. Please schedule an appointment with Dental Care Burke. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your needs.