TMJ Pain Often Starts Early

Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and facial tension are all too common—and they’re often brushed off as “normal.” But at our office, we see a recurring story: many adults who come in with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues wish they had addressed their oral muscle function years earlier. The truth is, poor orofacial habits and muscle patterns that start in childhood can set the stage for jaw pain later in life.

The good news? Myofunctional therapy can help retrain these patterns now—before they cause long-term damage.

Signs You May Be Developing TMJ Issues
TMJ problems often creep up slowly, and by the time symptoms become severe, the joint and surrounding muscles have already been under strain for years. Keep an eye out for:

• Jaw pain or tension—especially after chewing or talking for long periods

• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening or closing the mouth

• Frequent headaches or migraines (especially around the temples)

• Facial soreness or fatigue

• Ear pain or a feeling of fullness without an ear infection

• Difficulty opening the mouth fully

• Neck and shoulder tightness

Even if your symptoms are mild—or you only notice occasional clicking—these may be early signs that your jaw and facial muscles are compensating for dysfunctional patterns.

How Orofacial Patterns Affect the Jaw
The way you breathe, swallow, rest your tongue, and hold your lips impacts your jaw health more than you might think.
Common dysfunctional patterns include:

• Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing

• Low tongue posture (tongue resting on the floor of the mouth instead of the roof)

• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)

• Incorrect swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward or to the side

• Poor posture that affects head and neck alignment

Over time, these patterns overload the jaw muscles, create imbalances, and contribute to TMJ disorders.

Why Adults Often Miss the Window
We hear it all the time:

“I wish someone had told me about this when I was younger.”

Many adults who come to us with TMJ pain never had their breathing, tongue posture, or swallowing patterns evaluated as kids. Instead, they adapted to dysfunctional habits that became “normal” for them—until their jaw started to hurt.

The reality is that these patterns don’t just disappear on their own. They need to be identified and retrained before they cause chronic joint stress.

How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
Myofunctional therapy works by retraining the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat to work in harmony. This means:

• Restoring correct tongue posture (resting on the roof of the mouth)

• Promoting nasal breathing to reduce jaw strain and improve oxygen intake

• Teaching a proper swallowing pattern that doesn’t stress the jaw

• Building muscle balance and coordination so the jaw can function without tension

By improving these patterns early—whether in childhood, teen years, or even adulthood—you can reduce your risk of TMJ problems or prevent existing symptoms from worsening.

What You Can Do Now
Even if you have no jaw pain yet, start protecting your TMJ today:

1. Check your tongue posture – It should rest gently on the roof of your mouth, not touching your teeth.

2. Breathe through your nose – If you can’t, it may be worth checking for airway issues.

3. Avoid resting with your teeth together – Your teeth should have a slight space when at rest.

4. Limit gum chewing – Overuse of the jaw muscles can lead to fatigue and imbalance.

5. Seek an evaluation – A myofunctional assessment can identify harmful patterns before they cause pain.

Final Thoughts
TMJ disorders don’t develop overnight—they are often the result of years of subtle dysfunction in the way we use our facial muscles. By addressing these patterns early through myofunctional therapy, you can protect your jaw, prevent chronic pain, and set yourself up for a healthier future.

If you’ve noticed jaw tension, headaches, or clicking—or you simply want to prevent these issues—consider scheduling a myofunctional evaluation. Your future self will thank you.