If you’re dealing with jaw pain, clicking sounds, or discomfort when chewing, you might be wondering if you have TMJ and does TMJ go away on its own? Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can be frustrating and even painful, but it’s not always clear whether it will resolve by itself or if treatment is necessary. Many people experience mild symptoms and hope rest or home care will be enough.
In this blog, we’ll answer this important question, explore the factors that influence TMJ recovery, and guide you on when it’s time to seek professional help.
What is TMJ?
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
TMJ disorder can be mild or severe, and symptoms often vary between individuals. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Jaw pain or tenderness: Pain in the jaw is one of the key indicators of TMJ disorder. This pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Clicking or popping sounds: Your jaw might make a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth. Sometimes, this happens without pain, but it’s a sign something isn’t right.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches, often in the temples or around the jaw, are a common complaint. These headaches can feel similar to tension or stress headaches and may worsen over time.
- Difficulty chewing: Some people with TMJ may find it hard to chew food without discomfort, especially hard or chewy foods.
- Lockjaw: In more severe cases, TMJ causes the jaw to lock in an open or closed position, making it hard to move the jaw freely.
Common Causes of TMJ
TMJ disorder can happen for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Stress:
When you’re stressed, you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth without realizing it. This can put a lot of pressure on your jaw joint, eventually leading to TMJ problems.
Jaw Injury:
An injury or trauma to the jaw—like from an accident or a hard hit—can damage the TMJ. This can cause ongoing issues with pain and joint movement.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism):
Grinding or clenching the teeth, especially while you sleep, can wear down the jaw joint over time. This repeated strain can lead to TMJ disorder.
Arthritis:
The TMJ can be affected by arthritis just like other joints in the body. This can cause inflammation, pain, and limit how well the joint moves.
Poor Posture:
Sitting or standing with bad posture, such as slouching or keeping your head too far forward, can affect the alignment of your jaw. Over time, this can contribute to TMJ problems.
Can TMJ Go Away on Its Own?
TMJ disorder varies from person to person, and whether it will go away or not depends on the severity of the case.
If the condition is mild, TMJ may go away on its own without any medical intervention. You can find relief through some simple lifestyle changes like avoiding stress, practicing relaxation techniques, and staying mindful of jaw-clenching habits. Sometimes, rest and minor adjustments, like eating soft foods, can allow the joint to heal naturally, leading to improvement over time.
If the condition is severe, TMJ disorder can cause constant pain, difficulty chewing, or even lockjaw. These symptoms do not go away on their own and require treatment such as physical therapy, medications, or even surgery.
Factors That Influence TMJ Recovery
“Does TMJ go away on its own?” the answer often depends on several key factors. Some cases may improve naturally, while others may require intervention.
- Rest can help mild cases, allowing the jaw joint to heal naturally.
- Lifestyle changes, such as soft foods, stress management, and improved posture, can also help with recovery.
- Reducing inflammation and muscle tension is key, as both contribute to TMJ discomfort.
Sometimes, these approaches may be enough for the symptoms to improve without further treatment.
Tips To Help TMJ Go Away On Its Own
If you’re dealing with TMJ discomfort, there are several simple ways to manage it at home:
- Eat soft foods: Stick to soft foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed vegetables to avoid straining your jaw.
- Practice jaw exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can help strengthen and relax your jaw muscles.
- Apply heat or cold packs: Use a warm towel or ice pack on your jaw for 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Manage stress: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help prevent clenching and grinding.
- Avoid overuse: Rest your jaw by avoiding chewing gum or biting hard foods.
Does TMJ Go Away On Its Own?
Don’t Let TMJ Pain Hold You Back
TMJ discomfort can interfere with your daily life, and waiting for it to go away on its own may only prolong the pain. At Chevy Chase Dental Care, we offer personalized TMJ treatments to relieve your symptoms and restore comfort. Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Book your consultation today. New Patients can call us at (301) 302-7761, and current patients can reach us at (301) 652-5881 for expert care and support.
