JAW PAIN

What is Jaw Pain?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)  refers to the jaw joint located at the side of the head just in front of the ear.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to problems of the joint, often causing pain. This is due to dysfunctional movement of the joint structures (bones, ligaments and disc), and the surrounding muscles.

Why does this happen?

Great Question!

TMD can arise from various factors. Past injuries, dental procedures like braces or ill-fitting dentures, and even stress or anxiety can contribute. These factors can lead to muscle tension, misaligned jaw movements, and in some cases, even develop into arthritis within the joint. Understanding these potential causes can help in managing and addressing TMD.

Common symptoms might include:

Pain with chewing or yawning, soreness around the mouth/cheeks from clenching, clicking/popping/grinding noises coming from the jaw, ringing in the ears, pain behind the eyes, neck pain, headaches, limited range of motion.

What can be done about it?

Great Question!

Managing TMD often starts with a focus on reducing muscle tension and improving jaw mobility. This can involve relaxation techniques, gentle exercises, and stress management strategies.

In some cases, imaging like X-rays may be helpful, especially following an injury. If inflammation is a significant factor, steroid injections might be considered.

It's important to remember that TMD can have various contributing factors, and a personalized approach to treatment is often most effective.