Please leave us a Review on Google. Temporomandibular joint TMJ pain can put you out of commission because of how severe it can be. However, because of its location and the responsibilities it holds, TMJ pain can often feel like dental pain. If you have jaw pain and aren't sure if it's TMJ disorder or a toothache, keep reading to learn more.
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to the skull on each side of your face. This joint is responsible for opening and closing your mouth. TMJ disorder occurs when the joint becomes inflamed and irritated.
Causes of TMJ vary from person to person. While one patient may suffer from arthritis-induced TMJ pain, another may cause their own pain by grinding their teeth at night. TMJ symptoms can range from mild to severe and include pain in the jaw, aching pain around the ear, and difficulty or pain when eating.
In severe cases, the jaw can lock, which makes it hard to open and close your mouth. Because of its location near many muscles, nerves, and ligaments, TMJ pain can radiate to other parts of your face, neck, and head. This is known as referred pain, and in some cases, the radiated pain is severe enough that you may not think the pain is not coming from the TMJ. Some pain radiates upward, which may cause pain in the head, ear, eyes, etc.
However, when the pain radiates downward, it can cause pain near your teeth. Pain from TMJ can be dull, sharp, searing, sporadic, constant, etc. Different types of toothaches cause similar pain, which may cause patients to believe they are suffering from a toothache instead of TMJ disorder. TMJ also causes tooth pain by irritating trigger points. These trigger points form when the muscle becomes contracted and stiff.
Less oxygenated blood reaches the area, and more toxins are held, causing tenderness. TMJ pain can make you think you have a toothache, but the connection runs deeper. If you undergo a lot of dental procedures, such as crowns, it can affect your bite. Sometimes, stress-related habits can lead to TMJ disorders. These stress habits that can raise your risk include biting your lips, nails, or frequently chewing on things like gum, candy, or straws.
In addition to stress and health concerns, age and gender also play a role in determining who is most at risk. Most people who suffer TMJ symptoms are between the ages of It is more common in women. TMJ can cause constant pain in some patients who struggle with jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Some patients struggle with insomnia because of this pain or attempt to self-medicate, which can be dangerous.
Symptoms have also been known to contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety. If the pain is keeping you from comfortably eating, it can lead to nutrition issues, especially in elderly patients.
Your dental health can also suffer as a result of untreated TMJ. Clenching and grinding can lead to worn-down enamel or even fractured teeth. This disorder can also lead you to favor one side of your jaw more than the other as a response to the pain, leading to asymmetrical muscle growth and swelling of the jaw area.
Some non-surgical, non-medicated treatment options include mouth guards, oral splints, physical therapy, and counseling around the habits that trigger your pain.
Along with these therapies, certain pharmaceutical medications may be able to help. Some of the most beneficial medications for TMJ disorders are:. Are you done with suffering from relentless jaw pain? Schedule an appointment to see our TMJ experts and find relief faster.
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