Jaw Pain and TMJ Treatment
December 21, 2016
Dealing with any sort of pain is annoying, but a pain in your jaw brings with it particular complications. Such discomfort can make it difficult to speak or even eat. If pain in your jaw is making it hard to perform everyday tasks such as talking and eating, then it may be time to see the dentists at Allgood Family Dentistry. While some jaw discomfort goes away on its own, if yours is significant and persistent, it could indicate a problem with the temporomandibular joints, a condition also known as TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ
It is not always known what causes TMJ. Movement of your jaw is cushioned and the bones are separated by a disk that can move out of alignment or erode, causing pain and tenderness. The culprit could also be arthritis or an impact to the joint. Pain is but one symptom of TMJ. You might have this disorder if you also experience the following:
- Difficulty chewing or talking
- Aching in the face
- Aching around or inside of the ears
- Locking joint, meaning the mouth is hard to open and close
Seeking Treatment
Treating TMJ varies by individual, which is why it is vital for you to consult with our dentists before beginning treatment. In some cases, medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxers can help patients to relax and ease the pain. Oral appliances such as a night mouth guard can help to alleviate the discomfort if it is brought on by clenching or grinding the teeth. If the TMJ is related to an imbalance in the mouth due to missing or misaligned teeth, then some dental work might remedy the problem.
Contact Us Today
There is never a convenient time to experience the annoyances associated with TMJ. To find out more about treating the source of your jaw pain, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Allgood Family Dentistry.