Jaw pain can be more than just unpleasant. If the pain gets bad enough, it can pose serious health concerns, making it difficult to maintain a balanced diet. Plus, the underlying causes of jaw pain can create further problems such as fractured or loosened teeth. This article will offer an overview of two of the most common types of jaw pain.
Where to Go for Jaw Pain
There’s no reason to just sit around wondering, why does my jaw hurt? Instead, take action by scheduling an appointment with a local emergency dentist who can help. Regular check-ups with your local dentist can help prevent oral health issues – find out more here. A dentist is the only person who can definitively diagnose either bruxism or temporomandibular disorder (TMJ), the two most common causes of jaw pain.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. People often engage in this behavior as an automatic response to fear, anger, or stress, often without even realizing they are doing it. Even more common, though, is sleep bruxism.
People who have sleep bruxism clench and grind their teeth while they are sleeping. Although bruxism doesn’t generally affect people throughout the entire night, it can involve the application of up to 250 pounds of force. The long-term consequences of untreated sleep bruxism can include not just damage to teeth, crowns, fillings, and implants but also an increased risk of jaw pain. More specifically, sleep bruxism may increase people’s chances of developing TMJ.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ, more accurately abbreviated to TMD is a painful disorder affecting the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. People who struggle with TMJ often have difficulty chewing and may experience complications as a result of chronic jaw pain or locking of the jaw. Common complications from TMJ include headaches and migraines, neck, face, and shoulder pain, muscle spasms, and soreness.
Thankfully, TMJ is easier to diagnose than sleep bruxism. While an official diagnosis of uncomplicated sleep bruxism requires an overnight sleep study, dentists can usually identify TMJ in the clinic.
Treatments for Bruxism and TMJ
The most straightforward treatment for both bruxism and TMJ is to get fitted with a mouthguard, or night guard. These customized orthotic devices protect the teeth and muscles from damage during bouts of tooth grinding and can also help with the pain from TMJ.
Most dentists recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling from TMJ. In some cases, physical therapy can also help with symptom management, as can the prescription of a muscle relaxant by a doctor. Some people request surgery for their TMJ, but the procedures currently in use aren’t proven safe and may not provide long-term results.
Positive lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine intake can help people avoid teeth grinding, particularly when they have awake bruxism. Reducing stress is also a proven way to help with preventing teeth grinding and managing TMJ. Getting more exercise, taking up a relaxation practice such as meditation, or trying cognitive behavioral therapy may help with stress reduction, indirectly improving symptoms of bruxism and TMJ.
Get Help Now
Most people won’t just wake up one day without any jaw pain. They have to take active steps toward treating or managing the underlying problems, which might include consulting with a specialist in Cosmetic Dental treatments to address both the aesthetics and functionality of their teeth and jaw. Call a local clinic to schedule an appointment today, and don’t forget to ask about night guards.
