TMJ Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats TMJ Disorders?
A dentist or a primary care doctor usually starts the evaluation of TMJ disorders. An orofacial pain specialist, a doctor trained in face and jaw pain, or a physical therapist may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders are a group of more than 30 conditions. They cause pain and problems in the jaw joint and in the muscles that move the jaw. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. You have two of them, one on each side of the jaw, and they connect your lower jaw to your skull.
There are three main types:
- Disorders of the jaw joints.
- Disorders of the muscles used for chewing.
- Headaches that come from a TMJ disorder.
Many TMJ disorders last only a short time and go away on their own. In some cases they can become chronic, which means long lasting.
Symptoms
These symptoms may point to a TMJ disorder:
- Pain in the chewing muscles or the jaw joint. This is the most common symptom.
- Jaw stiffness.
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw.
- Painful clicking, popping, or grating when you open or close your mouth.
- Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or dizziness.
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Clicking or popping without pain is common. It is considered normal and does not need treatment.
Causes and who gets it
Sometimes an injury to the jaw or the jaw joint causes a TMJ disorder. In most cases, the cause is not known. Genes, stress, and the way a person senses pain may play a part in why it starts and whether it lasts. Research does not support the belief that a bad bite or braces cause TMJ disorders.
Anyone can develop a TMJ disorder, but it is more common in women than in men. It is most common in women between 35 and 44 years old.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no standard test for TMJ disorders. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so diagnosis can be hard. Your doctor or dentist will take a detailed medical history, which includes asking where your pain is, when you have it, and what makes it better or worse. They will also examine your head, neck, face, and jaw for tenderness, jaw clicking or popping, and problems moving your jaw. They may order imaging tests such as an x-ray, an MRI, or a CT scan. Pain in the mouth, jaw, or face may or may not be related to a TMJ disorder, so your doctor or dentist may need to rule out other conditions first.
Treatment
The symptoms go away without treatment for many people. Because there is limited proof for many treatments, experts recommend simple treatments first. They advise against treatments that permanently change the jaw joints, teeth, or bite, or that involve surgery.
Your doctor or dentist may first suggest that you:
- Eat soft foods.
- Apply heat or cold to the face and do exercises to gently stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.
- Stop clenching your jaw, chewing gum, and biting your nails.
If those steps do not help, other options include physical therapy. In manual therapy, a therapist uses their hands to stretch the soft tissues and muscles around the joint, and research suggests it can help relieve pain. Some people are given prescription medicines, but there is limited proof about which work best. Some of these medicines can lead to addiction or have other serious side effects.
A mouth guard or splint fits over the teeth. There is not a lot of proof that these devices improve TMJ pain. Make sure yours is not designed to permanently change your bite, and tell your dentist or doctor if it makes your pain worse.
Surgery should only be considered if the joint is destroyed in a way other procedures cannot fix, or if symptoms are severe despite other treatments. Surgery makes permanent changes to the joint. Get a second opinion before any surgery or other procedure.
When to see a doctor
See a dentist or doctor if you think you have a TMJ disorder, especially if you have jaw pain, painful clicking, or a jaw that locks or does not open well. Jaw pain can also come from other problems. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can review your symptoms, suggest simple self-care steps, and refer you to a dentist or specialist when needed.
Common questions
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Yes, for many people the symptoms go away without treatment. Many TMJ disorders last only a short time, though some become long lasting.
Is jaw clicking a sign of a TMJ disorder?
Not by itself. Clicking or popping without pain is common and is considered normal.
Do braces or a bad bite cause TMJ disorders?
No, research does not support that belief.
Do I need surgery for a TMJ disorder?
Surgery should only be considered in certain cases, such as severe joint damage that other procedures cannot fix.
Sources
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
- MedlinePlus - Temporomandibular Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
