You experience jaw discomfort frequently enough for it to be a recurring pattern. But nothing about it strikes you as a major concern. After all, sometimes our bodies just ache, right?
Actually, when your body consistently sends you uncomfortable signals, it’s usually trying to tell you that’s something’s amiss. Keep reading to find out what this could mean, and why you’ll want to treat your symptoms with something more long-term than ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Connecting Jaw Pain to TMJ Disorders
Consistent jaw pain could indicate that you have a TMJ disorder. TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint – basically, it’s a skeletal hinge that connects your jaw and skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth. Misalignment in your jawbone’s position could be putting pressure on this joint, causing the discomfort you’re experiencing.
Pain relievers might be enough to alleviate your symptoms now, but leaving TMJ disorders untreated can complicate your quality of life in the future.
Temporary Jaw Pain Can Become Chronic
Some patients with TMJ disorders wake up with a deep ache in their jawbone that recedes as the day goes on. Others might only experience discomfort two or three days out of the week. Though your jaw pain might seem temporary, a misaligned jaw will put more and more strain on your TMJ over time. As your condition worsens, so will your symptoms. You might even develop new problems.
Worsening TMJ Disorder: Headaches and Migraines
Because of your TMJ’s connection to your skull, it’s possible for symptoms to spread around your head and face. You might start to notice an uptick in headaches. In many ways migraines are still a mysterious condition, but it’s well documented that untreated TMJ disorders can cause them as well.
Worsening TMJ Disorder: Reduced Jawbone Function
Remember that your TMJ is what enables jaw movement. Imagine what would happen if this joint was out of place or experienced friction for an extended period of time. It really is a lot like a hinge – you could develop difficulties in opening and closing your mouth. Simply eating and talking would become challenging under these conditions.
How to Get A TMJ Disorder Treated
As you can see, jaw pain is only a small part of the puzzle. To treat TMJ and nip future complications in the bud, you should visit your dentist for a checkup.
It might seem strange to go to your dentist for a problem with your jawbone. However, a major trigger for TMJ disorders is orthodontic and dental misalignment. Your dentist can offer treatment through either an occlusal splint or equilibration.
Which one they use will depend on the specifics of your case. Just know that an occlusal splint is essentially a mouthguard you wear while sleeping, while equilibration involves adjusting the shape of your teeth for a smoother bite. In both situations, your dentist will work with you to ensure your oral health is taken care of.
About the Author
Dr. Jacob Weissich has seen first-hand how quality dentistry can improve a patient’s life. He’s passionate about healing people’s pain and spends an excessive amount of time learning through continuing education courses. This empowers him to provide the best care possible for his patients. If you need jaw pain relief or suspect a TMJ disorder, call Dr. Jake’s office at 559-431-9104. He’ll treat the root cause of your symptoms promptly and efficiently.