Jaw pain can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and even interfere with everyday activities like chewing, speaking, yawning, and smiling. Often, this discomfort is linked to the TMJ, or temporomandibular joints—the hinge-like joints that connect your jaw to the rest of your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to what’s known as temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Here’s a closer look at some of the specific causes of TMD and how professional treatment can help you find relief!
Four Common Causes of TMD
TMD has a variety of causes, but four of the most common ones include:
- Trauma or Injury – Any trauma to the jaw, whether from a fall, sports injury, or accident, can damage the TMJ. Even if the injury happened years ago, lingering effects may still cause pain or limited movement.
- Bruxism – Also known as teeth grinding or clenching, this issue often occurs at night when patients are asleep—and unaware of its presence! This repeated strain can cause soreness, stiffness, and even wear down the teeth.
- Orthodontic Issues – Misaligned teeth or bite problems may force the jaw to work harder than normal during biting, chewing, and speaking. This extra strain can result in pain and dysfunction.
- Stress – Stress doesn’t just affect your mentality; it can also manifest physically! Many people unconsciously clench their jaw or grind their teeth when stressed, which contributes to TMJ discomfort.
How Treatment from Your Dentist Can Help
You don’t have to live with jaw pain! Modern dentistry offers several solutions that can reduce or even eliminate TMD discomfort, depending on the cause. Custom-made nightguards, sometimes called occlusal splints, can protect the teeth from grinding and relieve strain on the jaw joints. Sometimes adjustments can also be made to the teeth through a process called equilibration that improves how they fit together.
Orthodontic treatments can also help to realign the teeth and bite, reducing strain on the TMJ. In some cases, physical therapy and relaxation techniques can be thrown into the mix to help ease muscle strain and tension linked to stress. Ultimately, how your dentist will approach treating your TMD depends on its specific cause.
If you’re experiencing ongoing jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, or difficulty chewing, it’s likely time for an evaluation. Early treatment not only relieves pain but can also prevent the condition from worsening and creating a chain reaction that spawns more issues!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Eduart Shkurti, our team here at ED Family Dental has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Astoria and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services, including numerous forms of TMJ treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment to get to the bottom of your jaw pain, feel free to reach out online or by phone today. Telephone: (646) 713-0132.