Well I developed TMJ about 15-20 yrs ago. Mine started with licking and popping in my joint. My left side is worst and my right side started maybe 10 yrs ago. I do clench and grind my teeth. Especially at night. I wear a TMJ splint at night and I have a day splint that I wear when it is especially bad. My jaw pops so bad that even the dentist cringed when she hears me open my mouth. I get headaches, ear pain sometimes, jaw pain, and my muscles in my head/face/neck are all tight and painful. I clench really bad when my feet are doing poorly (RSD is in feet).
I would talk to your dentist about having a splint made for you. Is should be thicker than a night guard and mine is made of acrylic. The idea is that you won't be able to clench too hard and the muscles will be more relaxed. TMJ can be painful and continue to get worse if you don't address it now. Good luck

J