TMJ inflammation can cause ear pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness even when nothing is wrong inside the ear. These symptoms may occur along with jaw soreness, clicking, or discomfort when chewing or opening your mouth.
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Why TMJ Disorders Can Cause Ear Pain and Pressure
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow you to open, close, and move your jaw. Each joint sits just in front of the ear.
When the joint or surrounding muscles become irritated, discomfort can be felt around the jaw, temple, and ear. This is one reason TMJ disorders can sometimes feel like an ear problem rather than a jaw problem. Ear pain associated with the TMJ may affect one or both sides and can change with jaw movement or activity.
Signs Your Ear Pain May Be Related to Your Jaw
TMJ-related ear symptoms can feel different from person to person. Some people notice an ache around the ear, while others are more bothered by pressure or fullness.
Symptoms may include:
- A dull ache in or around the ear
- Pain that becomes more noticeable when chewing
- Jaw soreness near the ear
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or discomfort around the temple
- Difficulty or discomfort when opening the mouth
Ear discomfort that occurs along with jaw pain or changes when you chew, clench, or move your jaw may point toward the TMJ as a possible source. Clenching and grinding can also strain the jaw muscles and may make discomfort around the jaw and ear more noticeable.
Other Causes of Ear Pain and Pressure
Ear pain and pressure have many possible causes, so symptoms near the ear do not automatically mean you have a TMJ disorder. Ear infections, earwax buildup, sinus problems, and other conditions can produce similar sensations.
Symptoms such as fever, drainage from the ear, or changes in hearing may point to a problem involving the ear itself and should be evaluated appropriately. If the source of your discomfort is unclear, an evaluation can help determine whether the jaw joint may be contributing.
How We Evaluate TMJ Disorders
During a TMJ evaluation, we ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and whether they change with chewing, clenching, or jaw movement. We examine how far and how smoothly your jaw opens, check for tenderness around the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, and listen or feel for clicking, popping, or grinding as the jaw moves.
We also consider whether your ear pain or pressure can be reproduced with jaw movement or pressure around the joint. When needed, imaging may be used to get a closer look at the joint and surrounding structures. Together, these findings help us determine whether your symptoms appear to be related to the TMJ or whether another cause should be investigated.
FAQs
Can TMJ disorders cause headaches?
Yes. Irritation in the jaw joints and tension in the surrounding muscles can contribute to headaches, particularly around the temples or sides of the face. Headaches have many possible causes, so recurring symptoms should be evaluated if the source is unclear.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Mild symptoms may improve with time, particularly when irritation or muscle tension settles. Symptoms that persist, repeatedly return, or interfere with eating or normal jaw movement should be evaluated to determine whether treatment is needed.
When should I see an oral surgeon for TMJ symptoms?
Consider an evaluation if you have persistent or recurring jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth, painful clicking or popping, or symptoms that interfere with chewing and everyday activities. An oral surgeon can evaluate the jaw joints and surrounding structures to help determine the cause of your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
TMJ Care at Offshore Oral & Facial Surgery
If you have ongoing jaw pain or other symptoms that may be related to a TMJ disorder, Dr. Drake can help determine the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options. Contact us to schedule a TMJ evaluation at our San Marcos or Vista, CA office.
