Jaw Joint Pain
Jaw joint pain can be debilitating. If you suffer from persistent jaw pain, call Scottsdale Family Smiles at (480) 607-6937 to schedule an appointment. Our team will identify the causes of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs.
What Does Jaw Pain Feel Like?
Jaw pain and joint dysfunction feel slightly different for everyone. The most common descriptions are:
- Aching or Throbbing: Dull, persistent pain in the jaw joint or surrounding areas
- Sharp or Stabbing: Sudden, intense pain that is brief but severe
- Tenderness: Discomfort or soreness when chewing or touching your jaw
- Clicking or Popping: Audible sounds or sensations when opening or closing your mouth
- Limited Range of Motion: A compromised immune system can’t respond as well to bacterial infections, making teeth more susceptible to abscesses.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Any sounds at all coming from the temporomandibular joint are a problem. Any loss of range of motion, locking, or popping is a sign that the joint is not working properly. Early correction and protection are best. Don’t wait for severe pain to be evaluated. Schedule an appointment for professional evaluation if you experience:
- Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
- Jaw locking, or an inability to fully open or close your mouth
- Swelling, redness, or other visible signs of inflammation around the jaw
- Discomfort or pain extending to your ears that causes headaches
- Noticeable changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Pain or discomfort while chewing or speaking
Jaw Pain Causes
Jaw pain can have any number of causes, including:
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep, can cause jaw joint stress and pain.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: A dysfunctional TMJ, which connects your jawbone to your skull, can cause pain and limit jaw movement.
- Dental Issues: Cavities, abscesses, misaligned teeth, and gum disease can worsen jaw discomfort.
- Lockjaw (Tetanus): In rare cases, a tetanus infection can cause muscle stiffness and spasms.
- Sinus Infections: Sinusitis can cause referred pain from the sinus cavities to the jaw joint.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions like arthritis are known to affect the jaw joint.
- Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma to the jaw, face, or head can cause persistent jaw pain.
- Stress: Clenching your jaw is a common response to emotional stress.
Jaw Pain Treatment
Addressing jaw joint pain often requires both at-home and professional treatment. As a holistic dental practice, Scottsdale Family Smiles treats both jaw pain and the underlying causes of joint dysfunction to help patients achieve a higher level of health. Our care protocol includes:
Self-Administered Therapies
- Apply ice or heat packs
- Avoid hard or chewy foods
- Practice stress-reduction techniques
Medications
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants prescribed by a healthcare professional
Dental Treatments
- Dental appliances like mouth guards to stop teeth grinding
- Orthodontic treatments for bite correction
Physical Therapy
- Exercises to improve jaw mobility
- Stretches to reduce muscle tension
Medical Procedures
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Surgical intervention in severe cases, such as TMJ arthroscopy
Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid excessive gum chewing or nail biting
- Practice good posture to reduce jaw strain
Jaw Joint Pain
Scottsdale, AZ
To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling (480) 607-6937.
