TMJ and Ear Pain: Understanding the Link

You might not recognize the term TMJ disorder, but chances are you’ve experienced or know someone who’s dealt with its symptoms. TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans, and while jaw pain is the most familiar symptom, ear pain is another common and often overlooked sign of this condition.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small but essential hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, enabling you to chew, talk, laugh, and yawn. Any issues with this joint can cause uncomfortable symptoms like headaches, jaw stiffness, and persistent ear pain.

At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, Nancy Horton, DMD, and our experienced team are experts in identifying and treating TMJ disorders. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to chronic pain, difficulty moving your jaw, and even tooth loss. 

Read on to understand the connection between ear pain and TMJ disorders better. 

What is TMJ?

You have one temporomandibular joint on each side of your jaw, just in front of your ears. The joint connects your lower jaw to the base of your skull and is quite complex. It can slide and rotate, allowing your jaw to move the way it does.

People often confuse TMJ with TMD. However, TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD is the disorder that affects it. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably.

A common cause of TMD is teeth grinding, which puts pressure on the joint. Poor teeth alignment can also force the joint to work harder, leading to wear and tear.

Why TMJ disorders lead to ear pain

The temporomandibular joint and the muscles and ligaments that support it connect to the nerves around your ear. When the TMJ becomes inflamed, it irritates these nerves, causing ear pain.

This type of pain, known as referred pain, can feel like it’s coming directly from the ear, even though the problem is with your jaw. It’s why earaches caused by TMJ disorders often don’t respond to antibiotics or ear infection treatments.

Another way TMJ can affect your ears is through muscle tension. TMJ disorders can cause the muscles around your jaw to tighten, putting extra pressure on the area near your ears.

The risks of ignoring TMJ disorders 

Over time, untreated TMD can cause chronic pain. The longer the joint remains inflamed or misaligned, the more likely it is to develop persistent pain that affects your face, jaw, and ears.

The strain on the TMJ can also trigger tension headaches or migraines. Severe cases of TMD can cause your jaw to lock in place, making it difficult to eat or speak.

Treatment options for TMJ disorders

There are many ways to treat TMJ disorders. Some of the most effective include:

Custom-made mouthguards

Teeth grinding can cause many TMJ issues. A custom mouthguard protects your teeth and relieves pressure on the TMJ.

Physical therapy

Exercises can strengthen the muscles around your jaw, improving how it moves and reducing pain.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants can relieve your discomfort while we diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a cutting-edge therapy that teaches you to relax your jaw muscles and manage pain. You learn to control tension and reduce discomfort using visual or auditory cues from a computer.

Lifestyle changes

Stop jawing habits like chewing gum, switch to softer foods, or find ways to reduce stress. Stress management can help you avoid clenching your jaw.

An earache might not seem like a big deal, but your ears do more than help you hear. They also help with balance and sense your surroundings. Pain could signify something more serious, like an infection or TMJ issues, so it’s worth checking out. Schedule a TMJ exam with us today or call 813-879-9299.