Jaw pain is not normal
If jaw pain is a regular part of your life, it may feel normal—but it’s not. Persistent jaw pain could be a sign of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), affecting one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJs). When these joints become misaligned or inflamed, they can cause discomfort and other symptoms.
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Signs of TMJ disorder (TMD):
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Jaw or facial pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
TMD treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical exam to assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your visit, we check for pain, tenderness, and joint noises like clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often the first recommended treatment.
Treatment and relief
Custom bite splints or night guards help prevent grinding and clenching, which often contribute to TMD. These plastic mouthpieces fit over the upper or lower teeth, realigning the jaw and reducing strain on the surrounding muscles and joints.
Alternative treatment options
If TMD is caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, orthodontics or restorative dental work may be recommended. In cases where excessive bite pressure is affecting the TMJ, reshaping certain teeth can help redistribute force evenly and relieve stress on the joint.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it is referred to as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the jaw, ear, or facial muscles, as well as difficulty opening or closing your mouth. Clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding sounds when chewing, yawning, or speaking may also indicate TMD. Some cases are linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from various factors, including jaw injuries, arthritis, or bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). Muscle tension in the head or neck, stress, ill-fitting dentures, and habits like nail-biting or chewing on pens may also contribute. Because the causes vary, a professional evaluation is the best way to determine the source of your symptoms.
There are many possible causes of headaches, and only a physical examination can determine if your TMD is contributing to them.
In most cases, TMJ pain can be managed with non-invasive treatments like bite splints, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Surgery is rarely needed and is considered only after all other treatment options have been explored. Your well-being is our priority, and we will guide you through the safest and most effective solutions tailored to your needs.
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