Is It Time to See a TMJ or Sleep Specialist?
Jaw pain, headaches, snoring, and poor sleep may seem harmless at first, but they could be signs of serious underlying issues like TMJ disorder or sleep apnea.
If you’ve been dealing with symptoms for weeks or months without relief, it may be time to see a specialist. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it is to prevent long-term damage.
Signs You Should See a TMJ Specialist
Persistent Jaw Pain or Stiffness
✔ Jaw discomfort that doesn’t go away or worsens over time
✔ Pain when chewing, speaking, or yawning
✔ Tenderness around the jaw, temples, or ears
Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds in Your Jaw
✔ Loud popping or clicking noises when moving your jaw
✔ Jaw “catching” or locking in an open or closed position
✔ Grinding sensation when opening and closing your mouth
Chronic Headaches & Facial Pain
✔ Frequent tension headaches, migraines, or facial soreness
✔ Pain that spreads from the jaw to the neck, shoulders, or temples
✔ Sinus-like pain with no signs of infection
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) or Jaw Clenching
✔ Waking up with tight, sore jaw muscles
✔ Noticed by a partner or dentist sees worn-down teeth
✔ Stress or anxiety-related jaw tension and clenching
Ear Pain, Ringing, or Fullness
✔ Earaches without infection
✔ Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
✔ Dizziness or balance problems (vertigo)
If these symptoms sound familiar
Signs You Should See a sleep Specialist
Loud Snoring or Pauses in Breathing at Night
✔ Noticed by a partner or family member
✔ Gasping or choking for air while asleep
✔ Snoring so loud it wakes you or your partner
Waking Up Tired, No Matter How Much Sleep You Get
✔ Feeling exhausted throughout the day
✔ Struggling with brain fog, memory issues, or focus problems
✔ Falling asleep easily during work, driving, or watching TV
Frequent Morning Headaches or Dry Mouth
✔ Waking up with a dry throat or sore jaw
✔ Tension headaches caused by oxygen deprivation
✔ Worsening headaches when sleep quality declines
CPAP Isn’t Working or You Can’t Tolerate It
✔ Struggling with CPAP masks, tubing, or discomfort
✔ Looking for a CPAP alternative like an oral appliance
✔ Experiencing no improvement despite CPAP use