Problems With TMJ

Posted on 5/8/2023 by Olivia Ortega

Jaw pain can really ruin your day. People with jaw pain say the pain can radiate to their ears and sinuses and cause migraines. Problems with your jaw joint may be to blame for jaw pain. Here is additional information on your jaw joint and how problematic it can be.

What Is Your TMJ?

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joint does a lot of work. It operates much like a hinge that can move up and down as well as side to side. Your TMJ allows you to eat, speak, and sing painlessly.

How the Joint Can Malfunction

Because joints represent two bones coming together, there is a greater chance you can have joint pain. There are specific reasons your jaw joint might not be working the way it should.

One of the most common causes of jaw joint pain occurs at night. You may be clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth during the night. Most people clench or grind their teeth due to stress. Over time, all of that clenching or grinding can cause your jaw joint to become inflamed and painful.

Also, trauma to your jaw can cause your jaw joint pain. If you were in a car accident, or you were hit in the face by a ball, that could explain your jaw pain and trouble opening or closing your mouth.

What Should I Do?

If you think you may have TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), you should begin tracking your symptoms. If you make a note of where and when your symptoms occur, you can help a dentist pinpoint what might be causing the trouble. Try some relaxation or stress management techniques to help you relax your jaw at night. Jaw exercises and taking anti-inflammatories may help your jaw as well. Hopefully, you'll be able to reduce your pain, but a dentist is a good resource for additional treatment, such as providing night guards for bruxism.

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Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center, 1133 E Stanley Blvd #215, Livermore, CA 94550 ~ 925-290-7727 ~ pacificofs.com ~ 9/3/2024 ~ Tags: oral surgeon Livermore ~