Jaw Pain Is Not Normal
If jaw pain is something you experience daily, it may feel normal—but it isn’t. Persistent jaw pain could be a sign of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), a condition affecting one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs). When these joints become misaligned or diseased, they can become inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort in the surrounding muscles and tissues.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Facial or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth fully
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)? Common symptoms of TMD include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking professional evaluation and treatment can help relieve discomfort and improve jaw function.
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
TMD treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical examination to assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we check for pain, tenderness, and any clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, chew, or swallow. If TMD is diagnosed, a bite splint or nightguard is often recommended as the first line of treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Bite splints, also known as nightguards, are custom-made plastic mouthpieces designed to fit over your upper or lower teeth. These devices help prevent grinding and clenching, which are common causes of TMD-related pain. They also work to realign the jaw, reducing stress on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Alternative Treatment Options
If TMD symptoms are caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or restorative dental work. If excessive bite pressure is affecting the TMJ, adjustments such as reshaping specific teeth may help redistribute force evenly, reducing strain on the jaw joint.
Seeking treatment for TMD can help relieve pain, improve jaw function, and restore overall comfort.
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 refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it leads to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas.
Common signs of TMD include pain and tenderness around the jaw joint, ear, or facial muscles, as well as difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Some people experience clicking, popping, grinding, or crunching sounds when they chew, yawn, or move their jaw. TMD may also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD is often caused by a combination of factors, including jaw injuries, arthritis, and muscle tension in the head and neck. Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) can worsen symptoms, while stress may contribute, though it is unclear whether it is a cause or a result. Other potential causes include ill-fitting dentures and habits like nail biting or chewing on pens and pencils. Since TMD has multiple causes, diagnosing it requires a thorough dental evaluation.
Headaches can stem from many different sources, and only a physical examination can determine if TMD is the underlying cause. If you experience chronic headaches along with jaw pain or clicking sounds, a consultation with a dentist may help identify the connection.
In most cases, TMD can be treated effectively with non-invasive methods, such as bite splints, physical therapy, or lifestyle adjustments. Surgery is only considered in rare and severe cases where other treatments have failed. Our priority is your health and comfort, and we will always explore the safest, least invasive options first before discussing surgical interventions.
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