What is TMJ disease?
A person with temporomandibular joint disease, or TMJ disease, has painful inflammation or irritation of the jaw joint. Common causes of TMJ disease include a jaw injury, poorly fitting dentures, and bruxism. About 10 million people in the US have TMJ disease. Most cases of TMJ disease resolve without treatment.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disease?
The most common symptom of TMJ disease includes jaw pain, located in front of the ear lobe. Usually, the pain worsens during chewing or yawning. Additional symptoms may include swelling over the temporomandibular joint, headache, and earache.

How does the doctor treat TMJ disease?
Treatment for TMJ disease may include a soft diet, dental guards, muscle relaxant medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. Additional treatment of TMJ disease may include injections of corticosteroid medication into the jaw joint.