Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw, or hear a clicking sound when you chew? You’re not alone. Jaw pain is one of the most common reasons people visit our Timonium dental office. It’s often a sign of a TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders can be confusing and frustrating, making simple things like eating or talking uncomfortable. The good news is that you don’t have to just live with the pain. In this post, we’ll break down what TMJ disorders are, what causes them, and how we can help you find relief.
What causes jaw pain?
Many factors can contribute to pain in your jaw. Most commonly, we see patients with a longstanding history of teeth grinding develop jaw pain. Similarly, people who hold a lot of their stress in their jaw muscles throughout the day are also very likely to have jaw pain. This is because these actions place your mouth muscles and structures under unusually high amounts of pressure for a long time.
You may also feel jaw pain if you have a misaligned bite pattern or are missing one or more teeth. These dental concerns cause jaw pain because your teeth, gums, and jawbone can become overworked when you’re chewing or speaking.
What is a TMJ disorder?
A TMJ disorder is any jaw pain that is associated with the temporomandibular joint of your jaw. Frequently caused by an imbalance in the bite, TMJ has a variety of signs and symptoms including:
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Tension headaches
- Popping and clicking noises when you open or close your mouth
Few clinicians are trained to properly identify, diagnose, and treat TMJ disorders. However, Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi has extensive experience in working with patients with TMJ disorders. You can count on Valley Dental Health for personalized, focused care.
TMJ disorders can cause earaches or tinnitus. Because the TMJ is located so close to your ears, pain from the joint can often be felt as an earache. You might even think you have an ear infection when the real source is your jaw.
Some people with TMJ disorders also experience tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. This happens because the joint’s inflammation and muscle tension can affect structures that are shared with the ear. If you have persistent ear pain with no sign of infection, a TMJ disorder could be the cause.
What Does the TMJ Actually Do?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your face. This joint is what allows you to perform essential movements like chewing, talking, and yawning.
It’s one of the most complex joints in your body because it can slide forward, backward, and side-to-side, in addition to hinging open and closed. When this joint, or the muscles surrounding it, become inflamed or damaged, it causes the pain and discomfort known as a TMJ disorder.
How Does a Dentist Diagnose a TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosing TMJ involves a thorough exam. Your dentist will start by asking about your symptoms and health history. They’ll then gently feel your jaw joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, or popping sounds.
The dentist will check how your jaw moves and see if your bite feels aligned. Often, dental X-rays or a 3D scan (CBCT) are taken to get a detailed view of the joints, bones, and teeth. This helps rule out other problems and gives a complete picture to create the right treatment plan for you.
How can TMJ disorders be treated?
This largely depends on the source of your jaw pain. For example, you might need orthodontics or oral surgery if your jaw pain is associated with a misaligned bite. If a missing tooth is the source of your jaw pain, your dentist may suggest restorative options to replace the tooth and restore the full function of your smile.
For mild TMJ disorders, a night guard can help with holding your jaw in a healthier resting position while you sleep. This helps because when you wake up, your jawbone and mouth muscles are fully rested and relieved of all tension. It also helps protect your teeth from grinding together while you sleep. Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi create a personalized treatment plan for your TMJ disorder after a thorough evaluation.
My jaw hurts right now. Any advice?
Ibuprofen is a great over-the-counter option for reducing jaw pain. Additionally, holding a cold compress to your cheek will help reduce swelling and inflammation around the irritated joint. We recommend leaving yourself reminders around your workspace and home to take breaks and relax all your facial muscles.
You should also stretch your jaw around several times a day to ensure you’re not holding any stress there. The best thing to do for your jaw pain, though, is to schedule an appointment for a TMJ consultation.
Are There Long-Term Consequences of Untreated TMJ?
Leaving a TMJ disorder untreated can cause more serious problems over time. Constant grinding and clenching can wear down your teeth, leading to cracks, chips, and sensitivity. The ongoing strain can cause chronic pain not only in your jaw but also in your head, neck, and shoulders.
In some cases, the disc within the joint can become permanently displaced, or the joint itself can develop arthritis, causing limited jaw movement. Seeking treatment early can help prevent these long-term issues and protect your oral health.
If you have any symptoms of TMJ, contact Valley Dental Health in Timonium to discuss your treatment options. Call us at 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online anytime.