How Long Does TMJ Last – TMD vs TMJ

By definition 5 min read

“The jaw is one of the most powerful muscles in the body—but like all powerful things, it needs care and balance. Healing takes patience, but it begins with understanding.”

Although the answer to that may not be as simple, the distinction between TMJ and TMD, the origin of the pain, and how to repair or avoid it, can be the difference in your recuperation.

TMJ vs TMD: What is the Difference?

Let’s begin with some of the common misconceptions. TMJ is the temporomandibular joint—it is simply the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. Those who have two temporomandibular joints—one on each side of your face in front of your ears are in real luck! It is the temporomandibular joint that allows us to chew, speak, yawn, and show emotions.

But you won’t want to sit and wait for your discomfort or other problems with your TMJ to go away. When it is not working correctly, or you have pain, a click, or stiffness, that is not TMJ; that is TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. Even though many people use TMJ and TMD as synonymous terms, TMD is the disorder, and TMJ is the joint.

So, when asking, “How long does TMJ last?” you are not really asking about how long the TMJ will last. You are asking about how long the symptoms of TMD will last.

How Long Does TMD Last

The duration of TMD can be days to years, depending on the cause, severity, and if intervention is sought.

Mild TMD caused by stress, infrequent grinding, or jaw strain may heal in a few weeks on its own with self-care, and may be resolved in 2-3 weeks by self-care.
Chronic or untreated TMD may persist for months or even years, especially if caused by jaw misalignment, arthritis, or habitual clenching.

Clinically speaking, approximately 70% of TMDs are self-limiting, with no surgical prognosis, and most patients will have resolution with the use of self-care and non-surgical therapy, e.g., nightguards and relaxation.

But with a caution: if you do not cure the underlying reason, TMD attacks will occur time and again, typically worse than previously.

What Causes TMD

There is no single culprit for TMD. It’s generally the culmination of a combination of factors like

Bruxism (teeth grinding): Done repeatedly during sleep, leading to constant pressure on the jaw.
Stress or tension: Triggering unconscious clenching of the jaw or tension in muscles.
Trauma to the jaw: Dislocation, fracture, or traumatic hit to the joint disrupts the balance.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, unbeknownst to you, might also be rheumatoid arthritis of the jaw.
Malocclusion: Some type of asymmetrical teeth interfering with your bite pattern.

Other habitual repetitive behaviors, such as chewing gum, nail biting, or talking too much, can also cause joint problems.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

TMD does not express itself in everyone in the same manner. Some will experience very little pain, while others have debilitating pain. Some of the symptoms are:

Recurring painful jaw or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
Radiating facial pain to the ears, neck, and shoulders
Difficulty chewing or completely opening the mouth
Headaches or migraine
Dental cavity-free toothaches
Ringing or dizziness

If not treated, these symptoms worsen with time, maybe leading to chronic sleep disturbances, mental fatigue, or even depression.

How Do You Make TMJ Pain Worse?

Occasionally, the habits we do without even knowing do bring about aggravation. If you have TMD, watch out for these jaw culprits:

Eating ice, pens, or hard foods
Using your teeth as a tool (opening bottles, tearing packaging)
Munching, forcing your jaw to open wider, and chewing more
Grinding or clenching, forcing your jaw to close tightly

These habits are not harmful at first, but they will eventually wear down the TMJ.

Home Remedies: Can You Treat TMD Without a Physician?

In most cases, yes. If you have mild to moderate symptoms, you can try the following self-help remedies:

Shift to Soft Foods: Skip hard or crunchy foods for mastication. Try yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
Apply Hot and Cold Compresses: Warm compress for relaxing constricted muscles and a cold pack for reducing swelling. Apply 15–20 minutes each, resting 15 minutes in between.
Practice Jaw Exercises: Light stretching, relaxation training, or proper jaw exercises (your dentist may recommend) will improve mobility and reduce tension.
Stress Management: Try meditation, breathing relaxation, or even journaling. If you find that you get stressed and your jaw gets tight, relaxation is part of your treatment.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can address pain and inflammation, but must be used cautiously and under professional supervision.

When Should You Consult a Dentist or Physician?

If pain persists for more than a week or two, or worsens over time, or interferes with eating, drinking, sleeping, or talking, a dentist or physician should intervene. You may need:

A specially molded nightguard or mouthguard to prevent grinding and protect the tooth from damage.
Professional therapy or exercise, with the direction of a therapist, to relax and stabilize the muscles in the jaw.
Botox injections, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medication for more severe cases.
TENS therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to loosen tight jaw muscles.
TMJ surgery is rare, in extreme cases.

But the good news is this: most people never have to undergo surgery. Conservative measures are usually sufficient to relieve symptoms and avert recurrence.

So, how long does TMD last? For some, it’s a temporary nuisance that resolves in days. For others, it’s a longer journey. But either way, you’re not powerless.

With proper care, self-care, and professional care, TMD does not have to control your life. Pay attention to your body, be attentive to things ahead of time, and be kind to your jaw when necessary.

FAQs

Is TMJ permanent, or will it disappear?

TMJ (TMD) may vanish if one takes proper care of it and makes some necessary lifestyle adjustments. The majority of the minor ones would have vanished on their own, but in the chronic ones, there would be a requirement for daily management.