text: tmj syndrome? what are the signs and symptoms of tmj syndrome? my jaw has a loud click every time i open it, and is sometimes painful. it is also painful if i have to hold my mouth open and i feel like i can't open it fully. i also get regular tension type headaches and occasional earache. i am sometimes aware that i am clenching my teeth throughout the day although i don't know if i do through the night. occasionally i wake up with all my teeth hurting though, so i probably do.  what would you recommend i do about this? and before you say go to a dentist, i can't because i don't have one. as a past sufferer of tmj i can tell ya this.  if you grind your teeth, have the clicking, get the headaches you most likely need an appliance made for your mouth.  you can get one for sleep only or 24/7.  i know you said you don't have a dentist but is that because insurance doesn't cover one?  i have heard that tmj can sometimes be covered under medical because of the symptoms. if neither are an option if you want you can do this to help the pain.  put a pencil or bic pen in your mouth.  lay the pen on the rear molar, lightly bite down.  doing this separates the lower mandibular from your skull.  this gives the disc an opportunity to return to it proper space.  releasing the nerves that your are pressing on. good luck!  but you really need this piece made for your mouth.