How Long Do TMJ Disorder (TMD) Symptoms Last?

TMD signs such as jaw soreness, trouble chewing, and headaches can persist from a few days to several years. Many cases of TMD are manageable at home and may even resolve without intervention.

While occasional jaw clicking usually isn’t alarming, most people want relief from pain that interferes with daily life.

If you’re coping with TMD, Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MSD, an orthodontist and the founder of Orthodontic + Whitening Studio, breaks down what to expect.

How long does TMJ usually last?

When the intricate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) suffers trauma, overuse, or other problems, you might develop symptoms like jaw pain or difficulty eating — a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Fraundorf notes that “temporary TMJ discomfort can span days to weeks, months, and beyond. For some, TMD symptoms become chronic.”

Short-term TMD symptoms often appear after an acute event, Fraundorf explains, such as:

• dental procedures (for example, wisdom tooth extraction)
• injuries (for example, sports or motor vehicle accidents)

Holding your mouth open for a long period during dental care can trigger temporary symptoms, she says, but these typically clear up fairly quickly — usually within a few days. More severe incidents, like an injury, may require a longer recovery period.

There may also be a connection between pregnancy and heightened TMD symptoms. Fraundorf points to 2023 research suggesting that pregnancy-related factors — sleep disruption, morning sickness, or elevated relaxin levels (which increase joint laxity) — could contribute. However, current evidence is not definitive.

If you suspect your TMD is related to pregnancy, it typically improves during the postpartum phase.

What causes chronic jaw pain or TMD?

Chronic TMD usually stems from an underlying factor such as:

• teeth grinding
• jaw clenching
• malocclusion (an uneven bite)
• arthritis
• stress
• dehydration
• poor nutrition
• bad posture
• harmful oral habits

Identifying and addressing the root cause can help manage chronic TMD. Learn more in this article.

How long is too long for TMJ?

“TMD affects people in different ways,” Fraundorf explains. “Each patient’s symptoms and experience are unique.” As a result, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis or treatment.

So when should you seek medical attention for TMD? “Ultimately, it comes down to tolerance,” Fraundorf advises. “If a patient can’t tolerate the pain and it’s diminishing their quality of life, it’s time to consult a professional.”

In many instances, however, the problem is an “acute flare-up that can be eased with time, rest for the TMJ, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”

Is TMJ hard to treat?

Although symptoms of TMJ disorder often improve on their own, actively treating it isn’t always straightforward.

“TMD treatment is complicated because it’s not black and white,” Fraundorf says. “Frequently it involves trial and error — we treat one suspected cause and observe the response.”

If your TMJ symptoms are new following dental work or another acute trigger, Fraundorf compares it to post-workout soreness: sometimes the facial muscles and jaw joints simply need time to recover.

For acute episodes, she suggests:

• resting the jaw as much as possible
• avoiding tough or chewy foods (including gum)
• using OTC anti-inflammatories
• applying heat or cold to ease pain (about 20 minutes per hour)
• gently massaging the area

Other possible treatments include:

• medications (such as NSAIDs or other analgesics)
• stress-reduction strategies (like breathwork or meditation)
• behavioral modifications (for example, changing a jaw-clenching habit)
• orthopedic appliances (such as a nightguard)
• physical therapy (including TMJ exercises)
• heat or cold therapy
• Botox injections
• surgical intervention
• TMJ implants

Takeaway

Acute TMD usually clears up within a few days to a few weeks, often without treatment. To relieve discomfort during this period, specialists suggest OTC pain medication, giving the joint rest, and using hot/cold therapy.

For more severe or persistent cases, a medical evaluation is recommended. Approaches such as stress management, physical therapy, and orthopedic devices can support restoring normal joint function.