What Does a TMJ Flare-Up Feel Like, and What Causes It?

June 12, 2023

If you have had temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms in the past, you may have gotten your symptoms under control only to experience a flare-up.

A TMJ flare-up is a reoccurrence of painful symptoms, which can include pain in the face and jaw, but it can also include soreness by the ears or unusual popping or clicking noises when moving your jaw.

But how do you know if you’re having a TMJ flare-up? Here’s what a TMJ flare-up feels like and what causes it.

What a TMJ Flare-Up Feels Like

A TMJ flare-up can feel different to different people, with symptoms varying in severity.However, most people experience symptoms such as [1]:

Headaches
Jaw or facial pain
Ear pain or ringing in the ears
Jaw stiffness
Difficulty chewing
Trouble opening up the mouth all the way
Popping or clicking noises when chewing or speaking

These symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually, but both can constitute a TMJ flare up. You may wake up one day to find your jaw hurting or realize that you’ve had headaches or earaches for the last week.

Potential Causes of a TMJ Flare-Up

So what can cause a TMJ flare-up? As symptoms can vary, so can causes from person to person.

Something as simple as a fluctuation in hormones or not drinking enough water can trigger TMJ symptoms [2]. Other causes include poor posture, stress, and chewing tough foods or gum frequently.

It’s also possible that a medication you are taking can trigger TMJ. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (commonly referred to as SSRIs) used to treat depression and anxiety may increase your risk of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which may exacerbate TMJ symptoms [3].

What Can You Do?

There are a few things you can do to help reduce your discomfort and manage your TMJ symptoms when you’re experiencing a flare-up.

First, try to keep your jaw relaxed as much as possible. Avoid chewing tough foods such as caramels, gummy candies, meats, and popcorn. You should also avoid chewing gum so as not to aggravate your temporomandibular joints.

Second, you can gently stretch your jaw with TMJ exercises such as chin tucks and resisted opening and closing of the mouth. These exercises may provide some relief for jaw pain and stiffness during a TMJ flare-up.

Finally, take care of yourself. Reduce stress, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet [4]. Doing so can help reduce inflammation in the body that may be contributing to your TMJ discomfort and make it easier for you to start feeling better.

Follow Up With Your Dentist About TMJ Pain

If you have had repeated episodes of TMJ pain or have had trouble finding relief during a TMJ flare-up, your dentist can help you reduce your discomfort and determine if there is a potential underlying cause that could be causing your symptoms. There is treatment for TMJ pain, so don’t ignore your symptoms!