How to Tell If You Have TMJ Dysfunction (5 Signs to Look For)
A lot of people go years dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or weird ear symptoms without ever realizing that their jaw joint might be the problem. TMJ dysfunction (or TMD) is incredibly common, but because it shows up in ways people don’t expect, it often gets misdiagnosed or ignored. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms that no one can seem to explain, your jaw might actually be the missing piece.
So how do you know if TMJ dysfunction is what’s causing your symptoms? Here are five of the most common signs I see in my patients.
1. Your jaw clicks, pops, or feels like it’s shifting when you chew
One of the first things I ask people with suspected TMJ issues is whether their jaw makes noise. Clicking, popping, or grinding when you open your mouth, chew, or yawn is a strong sign that your jaw joint isn’t moving smoothly. Ideally, the disc inside your joint should glide as you open and close your mouth, but when there’s dysfunction, that movement can get off track.
Not all clicking is a problem. If it’s painless and has been there forever, it might just be how your joint moves. But if it’s getting worse, comes with pain, or feels like your jaw is catching or shifting, that’s a red flag that your TMJ isn’t working the way it should.
2. Your jaw feels tight or painful, especially in the morning
A lot of people wake up with jaw soreness and assume they just slept funny, but morning jaw pain is often a sign of clenching or grinding (bruxism) at night. Your TMJ is one of the most used joints in your body, and when you’re unconsciously clenching all night, you’re putting a huge amount of strain on it. Over time, that constant stress can lead to pain, stiffness, and even difficulty opening your mouth in the morning.
If you wake up feeling like your jaw is locked or your teeth feel sore or sensitive, there’s a good chance you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. Wearing a night guard can help reduce some of that strain, but if the problem is persistent, TMJ treatment can help get to the root of it.
3. You get frequent headaches, especially in the temples or behind your eyes
One of the most overlooked signs of TMJ dysfunction is chronic headaches. The jaw and the muscles that control it are directly connected to the muscles in your head and neck, so when there’s tension or dysfunction in the TMJ, it can easily refer pain into the temples, forehead, or even behind the eyes.
A good way to test if your jaw might be contributing to your headaches is to press on the sides of your face, right in front of your ears, and see if it feels tender or sore. If it does, that’s a good indication that your TMJ is involved. Another clue is if your headaches feel worse in the morning (again, due to nighttime clenching) or if they seem to be triggered by talking, chewing, or stress.
4. You have unexplained ear pain, fullness, or ringing
TMJ-related ear symptoms are one of the most confusing parts of this condition. I’ve seen so many patients who have gone to their doctor for ear pain or a feeling of fullness, only to be told there’s nothing wrong with their ears. What’s actually happening is that the jaw joint sits extremely close to the ear canal, and when it becomes inflamed, it can create a sensation that feels exactly like an ear infection.
Some people with TMJ dysfunction also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or even mild hearing changes. If your ear symptoms tend to come and go, get worse with jaw movement, or don’t respond to typical ear treatments, there’s a good chance your TMJ is the real culprit.
5. You have trouble opening your mouth fully or your jaw feels “off”
If you’ve ever tried to take a big bite of a sandwich or yawned really wide and felt like your jaw wasn’t moving properly, that’s another sign of TMJ dysfunction. Some people feel like their jaw is tight or stuck, while others notice that their jaw shifts to one side when they open. In more severe cases, the jaw can even temporarily lock open or closed.
This happens when the muscles and structures around the TMJ become overly tight, irritated, or misaligned. The longer it goes untreated, the more the joint compensates, which can lead to uneven movement patterns or even permanent joint changes over time.
What to do if you have multiple signs of TMJ dysfunction
If you’re checking off multiple symptoms on this list, it’s worth getting your TMJ evaluated—especially if your pain is getting worse or starting to interfere with daily life. TMJ dysfunction is very treatable, but the sooner you address it, the easier it is to manage.
You can see a physical therapist first for your TMJ especially since it can take a lot longer to get an appointment with a dental orofacial pain specialist.
A personalized TMJ treatment plan can help restore proper function to the joint, reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent long-term issues. If you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or any of the other symptoms above, I can help.
Schedule an appointment to start feeling better.