Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
Jaw Pain Is Not Normal.
If you experience jaw pain regularly, you might assume it’s a normal part of life. However, jaw pain is not typical and could indicate Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which affects one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs). These joints, located in your lower jaw, can become inflamed due to issues such as misalignment or underlying conditions, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Signs of TMJ disorder (TMD) include:
- Persistent headaches
- Discomfort or soreness in and around the ears
- Sensitivity or pain in the jaw or facial area
- Muscle tension or aches in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- A ringing sensation in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving the jaw
- Trouble chewing, yawning, or fully opening your mouth
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
The first step in managing TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a comprehensive clinical examination, focusing on your jaw, facial structure, bite, teeth, and joints. During the appointment, we’ll evaluate any tenderness or discomfort and listen for clicking or popping sounds as you move your jaw while chewing, swallowing, or opening and closing your mouth. If TMD is diagnosed, a common initial recommendation is using a bite splint or night guard to help reduce symptoms and provide relief.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment plan often includes the use of custom-fitted plastic mouthpieces called bite splints. These devices are carefully crafted to fit snugly over your upper and/or lower teeth. Wearing a splint helps prevent clenching and grinding, which are frequent causes of TMD symptoms. The splint also assists in realigning the jaw, reducing stress on the surrounding muscles and joints, and promoting a more balanced bite.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms are linked to misaligned teeth or missing teeth, orthodontic treatments or restorative dental procedures may be recommended. By correcting underlying issues such as alignment or tooth loss, we aim to address the root causes of your discomfort. In cases where excessive bite pressure is affecting the TMJs, reshaping certain teeth to redistribute the forces evenly may be suggested, fostering a more harmonious and functional bite.
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, which is the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it results in a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly referred to as TMD.
Typical symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) include tenderness or pain around the ear, in the jaw joint, or in the muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. You might also encounter challenges when opening or closing your mouth, along with noises such as clicking, popping, grinding, or crunching when chewing, yawning, or moving your jaw. TMD may also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD is usually caused by a combination of factors, including injuries to the jaw or joint-related conditions like arthritis. Other contributors include habits such as grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism), muscle tension in the head or neck, and possibly stress, though its exact role in causing TMD is unclear. Additional factors, such as poorly fitted dentures or habits like nail or pen biting, can also exacerbate symptoms. Due to the wide range of potential causes, diagnosing TMD can be complex. A dental professional can perform a thorough evaluation to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate care.
Headaches can have a variety of underlying causes, and a physical examination by a healthcare professional is often required to identify the specific reason for your discomfort.
In most cases, TMJ-related pain can be effectively treated with non-invasive therapies and solutions. Surgical intervention for TMD is extremely rare and is only considered in exceptional circumstances. Our priority is to offer you a full understanding of your treatment options, emphasising the safest and simplest methods while respecting your decisions regarding the next steps in your care.
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