Jaw Joint (TMJ) Disorder: What You Need to Know

Youngmo Kang
Sep 26
3 min read

We use our jaws all day long—while eating, snacking, talking, and even yawning. Because the jaw joint works so hard, it’s no surprise that problems can develop. In fact, about 12% of adults in Korea have experienced symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, and over 540,000 people have sought treatment.

Yet, many people don’t take TMJ problems seriously. The pain often feels vague, and symptoms sometimes disappear on their own. But ignoring it can allow the condition to worsen. Early evaluation by a dentist can make a big difference.

Common Signs of TMJ Problems

The jaw joint connects the skull and lower jaw, supported by muscles, ligaments, and a small cushioning disc. If any of these structures are strained or damaged, TMJ disorder may occur.

Here are the three main warning signs:

Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth.
Pain in front of the ear where the joint is located.
Difficulty or discomfort opening the mouth while eating or speaking.

Muscle, Joint, or Arthritis?

TMJ problems can stem from different causes:

Muscle-related: Pain in the cheek or jaw muscles, stiffness in the morning, or soreness when chewing or clenching.
Joint-related: Clicking sounds, jaw locking, or trouble opening the mouth fully.
Arthritis (degenerative changes): A grating, sand-like sound in the joint, pain that worsens with chewing, and sometimes facial asymmetry or a shifting bite.

Sometimes, all three issues occur together, making symptoms more complex.

When to See a Dentist

Not every clicking sound is a cause for alarm. If there’s no pain or difficulty chewing, treatment may not be necessary. However, you should seek care if you experience:

Pain lasting more than a month.
Difficulty opening the mouth for several weeks.
A grating sound like sand in the joint (a sign of arthritis).
Facial changes, such as shifting teeth or asymmetry.

Treatment Options

The good news: Most TMJ disorders improve with proper care.

Lifestyle changes: Avoid hard or chewy foods, don’t grind or clench teeth, and take breaks from poor posture when using phones or computers.
Therapies: Physical therapy, medications, or Botox injections to relax overworked muscles.
Splints: Night guards to protect teeth and joints if you grind or clench at night.
Procedures: In more advanced cases, manual repositioning of the disc or joint washing (lavage) may be recommended.

Warm compresses, stretching, and stress management can also help keep symptoms under control.

Mental Health and TMJ Pain

Chronic jaw pain can affect more than just the mouth—it may also lead to headaches, neck or shoulder pain, and even worsen anxiety or depression. In some cases, addressing stress and sleep quality is just as important as treating the jaw itself.

Key Takeaways

Don’t ignore persistent jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth.
Early dental evaluation can prevent the problem from worsening.
Most cases improve with conservative treatments and healthy lifestyle habits.
A positive mindset and regular care are essential for recovery.

✨ Bottom line: If you notice jaw pain, unusual sounds, or limited movement, don’t wait it out. Schedule a consultation—we can help restore comfort so you can eat, talk, and smile with ease again.

Would you like me to also add a patient-friendly FAQ section (like “Is jaw clicking always serious?” or “Can braces cause TMJ problems?”) to make your blog more engaging and searchable?