Can TMJ Disorder Cause Throat Pain?

TMJ and Throat Pain: Could Your Jaw Be Causing Your Sore Throat?

Sore throat and ear pain can sometimes occur together, and if you experience throat pain that comes and goes, TMJ disorder may be the cause. This condition produces many symptoms beyond jaw pain — including pain in the neck, ears, and throat. Understanding the connection can help patients who have been seeking answers for persistent or unexplained throat discomfort.

Learn about TMJ diagnosis and treatment at our Gilbert dental office  →  East Valley TMJ

The Temporomandibular Joint

The TMJ is a ball-and-socket hinge at the back of the jaw. The articular eminence, a bony hump at the front of the socket, keeps the jaw from slipping out of place. The joint is responsible for all jaw motion and, when dysfunctional, can cause pain, clicking, and limited range of motion.

Signs That You May Have TMJ Disorder

Bruxism

Some patients grind their teeth subconsciously. The most common sign of nighttime bruxism is waking with a headache most mornings.

Frequent Headaches

Frequent headaches are one of the most common signs of TMJ disorder, with a strong correlation between the two.

Blurred Vision

Tension headaches from TMJ disorder can cause pain in the forehead, temples, or back of the head, as well as blurred vision.

Sore Throat and Swallowing Issues

A chronic sore throat or difficulty swallowing alongside other TMJ symptoms is a recognized presentation of TMJ disorder and warrants a formal evaluation.

Ear Pain or Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus can often be traced back to TMJ dysfunction when it occurs alongside other jaw symptoms.

Get TMJ Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

If you are experiencing throat pain alongside jaw pain, headaches, or ear symptoms, Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI can evaluate your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. No referral needed — book online or call (480) 539-7979.

About the Author

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI has been practicing dentistry in Gilbert, AZ since 1994. He is highly trained in neuromuscular and physiologic dentistry, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, orofacial pain, and jaw dysfunction. One of fewer than 500 dentists worldwide to hold the LVIF designation from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.