Whether your ear pain is on one side or both, to say it is pretty strenuous to deal with is not an exaggeration. Believe it or not, one of the primary causes of your ear pain is temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is the joint where the bone of the skull connects with the lower part of the joint, also known as mandible. When TMJ issues occur, the painful symptoms can extend to your ears — resulting in TMJ ear pain. Read this blog to learn more about this condition!
How Ear & TMJ are Related
Muscles have control over our ears as well as our face. The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull is within the vicinity of the ear. Since the ear and TMJ are present adjacent to each other, problems in one tends to show effects in the other.
Inflammation in the TMJ can cause pain in ear, as it is present near the joint. Furthermore, any damage or impact to the jaw tends to have unpleasant effets on the ear, thanks to the indirect link between the two. Therefore, any damage near the TMJ muscles will apply pressure on the ears and the nerves, ultimately resulting in TMJ ear pain.
Signs You Have TMJ Ear Pain
If you have TMJ ear pain, here are soem sure signs that take place:
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ear.
- Sharp pain in the ear.
- Popping ears.
- Discomfort in the ears when you speak or chew.
- Persistent mild earache
How to Get Rid of TMJ Ear Pain?
If you have pain inyour ear due to TMJ, here are some ways to get rid of it:
- Dietary Changes: Your diet could be a contributing factor to your TMJ ear pain. Hence, instead of eating crunchy, chewy, or hard food items, opt for a soft food diet to avoid straining your jaw. In addition, refrain from chewing gums.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Modifying your habits and lifestyle can make a significant improvement in reducing TMJ-related ear pain. Talk to a TMJ specialist regarding the possible changes you can adapt to, such as maintaining good posture, limiting activities that require you to open your jaw wide, and more.
- Mouthguard: Oral appliances such as mouthguards can provide relief if your TMJ is due to teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Wearing a mouthguard helps relieve tension from the jaw and might even realign it to some extent.
- Pain Relievers: You can get rid of TMJ-related ear pain by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers. In case of severe ear pain, the doctor might prescribe muscle relaxers.
- Warm compress: A warm compress is pretty helpful in alleviating the painful symptoms of TMJ. Gently apply the warm compress against the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes for relief.
Final Note
Do you also have TMJ-related ear pain? It is best to visit a TMJ specialist for proper diagnosis and suitable treatment. You can talk to us at (281) 251-7770 or pay us a visit at 10300 Louetta Rd Ste 132, Houston, TX 77070, United States. Vintage Smile Family Dentistry looks forward to welcoming you!