
Jaw Pain Is Not Normal
If you regularly experience jaw discomfort, you might think it’s just a normal issue. However, jaw pain is far from typical and could be a sign of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which affects one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs) — the joints responsible for the movement of your lower jaw. When these joints become misaligned or diseased, inflammation develops around the TMJ and its surrounding areas, leading to pain and other symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?
- Headaches
- Earaches and tenderness around the ear
- Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
Jaw Pain Is Not Normal.
If you find yourself experiencing jaw discomfort on a regular basis, you might consider it a normal occurrence. However, the reality is quite different: jaw pain is far from being a normal sensation and could potentially indicate a condition known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) affecting one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs), which are responsible for the movement of your lower jaw. When these joints undergo disease or misalignment, inflammation sets in around the TMJ and its vicinity, leading to the onset of pain and various associated symptoms.
What are the indicators of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?
- Headaches
- Earaches and tenderness around the ear
- Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ear ringing
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty when chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
The first step in addressing TMD is a comprehensive clinical evaluation, where we examine your facial structure, jaw alignment, bite, joints, and teeth. During this visit, we’ll check for any signs of discomfort or sensitivity and listen for any clicking or popping sounds when you move your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, the initial treatment usually involves recommending a bite splint or night guard.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment plan includes the use of bite splints—custom-made plastic mouthpieces that are designed to fit the contours of your upper and/or lower teeth. These splints help prevent grinding and clenching, which are common causes of TMD, while also assisting in realigning the jaw and relieving pressure on the surrounding muscles and joints.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms are caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, orthodontic treatment or dental restorations might be suggested. In certain cases, reshaping specific teeth may be recommended to balance the biting pressure and relieve stress on the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
Symptoms of TMD can include pain or tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. Other signs may include difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, grinding, or crunching sound when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth. TMD is also commonly associated with neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from several factors, including jaw injuries and joint conditions like arthritis. Bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) and muscle tension in the head or neck are also potential contributors. While stress may play a role in exacerbating TMD, it’s unclear whether it causes the condition or is a consequence of it. Additionally, poorly fitting dentures or habits such as nail biting or chewing on pens can contribute to TMD. Due to the variety of potential causes, diagnosing TMD can be complex. To better understand your symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment with us.
Headaches can have many different causes. A physical examination is necessary to determine if TMD is contributing to your headaches.
Most cases of TMJ discomfort respond well to non-invasive treatments and therapies. Surgery for TMD is extremely rare. We are committed to helping you explore the most convenient and least invasive treatment options first, and we will fully discuss all available choices with you. The decision on next steps will always be yours to make.
