Book A Consult

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the skull and allows you to open and close your mouth for speaking, chewing and yawning. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder refers to a group of conditions that cause pain, dysfunction or inflammation in this joint or the surrounding muscles.

TMJ disorders can range from mild discomfort and jaw clicking to severe pain and difficulty moving the mouth. They may affect one or both sides of the jaw and can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. If you’re seeking TMJ disorder treatment in Singapore, a proper diagnosis is key to relieving pain and restoring comfort.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often causing pain, stiffness and clicking sounds during movement.

How does Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) impact quality of life?

TMJ problems can interfere with many everyday activities that most people take for granted. Pain when eating or talking, jaw stiffness and constant clicking can make simple tasks uncomfortable and frustrating.

For some, the pain radiates to the head, neck, or ears. This causes frequent headaches or facial tension. Difficulty chewing may limit food choices, while the chronic nature of TMJ pain can contribute to fatigue, poor sleep and stress. Over time, this discomfort can impact work performance, social interactions and overall emotional well-being.

What causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

The disorder develops when the joint’s normal function is disrupted, either by inflammation, muscle imbalance, or mechanical stress. The underlying mechanisms include:

In summary, TMJ pain can stem from multiple causes, but early assessment helps prevent long-term joint damage and irritation.

TMJ disorders can cause pain, stiffness and clicking sounds that affect daily comfort.

What are the symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

The symptoms vary from one person and can fluctuate in intensity. But the common signs are:

  • A sensation that the upper and lower teeth no longer fit together properly.
  • Aching pain that spreads to the ear, temple, neck or shoulders.
  • Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth fully or feeling the jaw lock in position.
  • Headaches or facial pain that worsens with jaw movement.
  • Pain or tenderness around the jaw, especially when chewing or speaking.

Who is at risk of developing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

Although TMJ disorder can affect anyone, several factors can make some individuals more prone to developing it, such as:

  • Age – TMJ issues most often appear between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. During this stage of life, daily stress, jaw tension and early joint wear are more likely to contribute to inflammation or muscle imbalance around the jaw.
  • Gender – women are more likely than men to experience TMJ pain. Hormonal influences, particularly fluctuations, may affect joint flexibility and pain sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of developing symptoms.
  • Hormonal changes – fluctuations in oestrogen and other hormones may influence joint structure and pain response, increasing risk in some women.
  • Arthritis or joint disease – individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions are more likely to experience TMJ-related inflammation.
  • Teeth grinding or jaw clenching – habitual bruxism, especially during sleep, exerts constant force on the TMJ and surrounding tissues.
  • Previous jaw or facial injury – past trauma can disrupt joint alignment or damage supporting ligaments, increasing susceptibility to future dysfunction.
  • Postural strain – prolonged poor posture, such as leaning forward at a desk or looking down at a phone, can tighten neck and shoulder muscles, indirectly affecting jaw movement.
  • Stress and anxiety – emotional tension often leads to unconscious clenching or grinding, triggering inflammation and tightening of jaw muscles.

What are the possible complications if treatment is delayed?

Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to more serious and long-lasting problems. This includes:

  • Chronic pain – persistent discomfort in the jaw, neck (neck and back pain page) and face.
  • Frequent headaches – ongoing tension can trigger recurrent headaches or migraines.
  • Joint damage – inflammation or cartilage wear can cause permanent structural changes.
  • Restricted movement – difficulty opening the mouth or chewing properly.
  • Reduced quality of life – ongoing pain and stiffness may interfere with eating, sleeping and speaking comfortably.

How is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) diagnosed?

Diagnosing TMJ disorder involves a careful assessment of your symptoms, jaw movement and joint structure. Because the causes can vary widely, a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging is often used. 

This involves:

  • Physical examination – our doctor will feel around your jaws, cheeks and temples to open and close your mouth, noting any clicking, grinding or locking. The range of motion is also assessed to see if movement is restricted or uneven.
  • Imaging tests – if further evaluation is needed, imaging studies may be recommended, such as:
    • X-rays to help visualise bone alignment and joint position
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can show the condition of soft tissues, such as the joint disc and surrounding muscles
    • Ultrasound provides a live view of joint movement and can detect inflammation or structural irregularities without radiation exposure
Ultrasound-guided TMJ injections deliver medication with precision to reduce inflammation and improve jaw function.

How is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) treated in Singapore?

The treatment for TMJ disorder focuses on relieving pain, reducing strain and restoring comfortable, natural movement of the jaw. Most cases improve with conservative and non-surgical methods, though the exact plan depends on the severity and cause of the condition.

Some of the treatment options are:

Conservative management

  • Medication – anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to ease pain, reduce swelling and relieve muscle tension.
  • Physiotherapy – gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help improve jaw mobility, balance muscle function and correct posture.
  • Lifestyle adjustments – avoiding hard or chewy foods, reducing stress and practising relaxation techniques can lessen jaw strain.

Supportive therapies

  • Behavioural therapy – for patients whose symptoms are stress-related, relaxation and biofeedback techniques can reduce unconscious jaw tension.
  • Posture correction – ergonomic adjustments and exercises to reduce neck and shoulder tension can indirectly improve jaw function.
  • Splints or mouth guards – custom-made devices worn at night help prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching, giving the joint time to rest.

Image-guided treatments

  • Corticosteroid injections – these reduce inflammation in the joint capsule, relieving pain and improving motion.
  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections – HA is known to restore lubrication within the joint, easing stiffness and enhancing movement.
  • Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections – the treatment promotes natural tissue healing and may benefit patients with early degenerative changes.

Surgical intervention

Surgery is rarely required but may be considered for severe or resistant TMJ disorders. The procedures can range from minimally invasive arthroscopy, which is designed to remove scar tissue or reposition the disk, to open-joint surgery in complex cases.

Summary

Early diagnosis and treatment can help restore comfort, movement and improve quality of life.

TMJ disorder is a common yet often overlooked cause of facial pain and jaw stiffness. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most patients experience lasting relief and return to normal eating, speaking and smiling comfortably.

Modern treatments offer precise, effective and minimally invasive solutions to reduce pain and restore function. If you are struggling with jaw discomfort, get in touch with us to book an appointment for a personalised assessment that can help you regain comfort and confidence in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get In Touch

Make an enquiry or
Request a consultation

Our Clinic Locations

Farrer Park Medical Centre

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre