A sore jaw in the morning or a stiff jaw when you yawn can point to the same small joint. Most cases calm down with simple care, and the right TMJ treatment starts with finding out what is behind the pain.
Our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI checks the jaw joint and the muscles around it, then builds a plan around your symptoms.
Here's what you need to know about TMJ pain.
What the TMJ Is
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have one on each side, just in front of your ears.
When that joint or the chewing muscles around it stop working smoothly, the problem is called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Federal researchers group under that name.
What Causes TMJ Pain
Stress is one of the most common triggers. Many people clench their jaw without noticing during a busy week.
Other causes include muscle strain, inflammation in the joint, a jaw injury and a joint disc that has slipped out of place. Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can add to the strain.
For many people, though, there is no single clear cause. Symptoms can start without an obvious reason.
Signs It Could Be TMD
Pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is the most common sign. You might also notice:
- Stiffness in the jaw or neck
- A jaw that locks or will not open fully
- Painful clicking or popping when you chew
- Headaches or earaches near the joint
A click with no pain is common and usually needs no treatment. Pain is what makes it worth a visit.
How a Dentist Checks for TMD
Your visit starts with your health history and when the pain shows up. Then the dentist feels your jaw and neck, watches how your mouth opens and checks your bite.
An X-ray may be suggested to rule out other problems. Jaw pain can come from a tooth too, so it helps to know the signs that a tooth may be infected.
Simple Care Usually Comes First
Most TMD treatment starts with conservative steps that do not change your teeth or bite. These often include:
- Eating softer foods for a while
- Using warm or cold packs on the jaw
- Gentle jaw stretches
- Cutting back on gum chewing and nail biting
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help in the short term. The same gentle approach in our tips to ease mouth pain at home can make the wait for a visit easier.
Where a Night Guard Fits In
If you grind or clench at night, a custom night guard puts a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. It protects your enamel and can ease some of the load on your jaw muscles.
A good guard should never be designed to permanently change your bite. You can read more about who benefits in do I need a night guard.
When to Make an Appointment
Pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks deserves a closer look. So does a jaw that locks, keeps you from chewing or wakes you with headaches.
Cleveland Clinic notes that TMD is . TMJ care is one of the dental services we offer for patients of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ pain go away on its own?
Yes, for many people jaw pain from TMD fades without treatment, especially when it started after a stressful stretch or a hard bite. Some cases last longer and become chronic.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends starting with conservative care and avoiding treatments that permanently change the teeth, bite or jaw joint.
Who is most likely to get TMD?
TMD is about twice as common in women as in men, and it often shows up in adults between their 20s and mid-40s. It affects roughly 5% of adults in the U.S.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that genes, life stress and how a person feels pain may all play a part in who develops it.
Will I need an X-ray for a TMJ evaluation?
Not always. A TMJ evaluation at Kalamazoo Smiles starts with your medical history and a hands-on exam of your jaw and neck, and many patients get answers from that alone.
In some cases the team recommends an X-ray to rule out other issues, such as a tooth problem, before suggesting a TMD treatment plan.
Is a night guard the same thing as a TMJ splint?
They are closely related. Night guards, splints and bite splints are all devices that fit over the teeth, protect them and may help with clenching.
At Kalamazoo Smiles, a night guard is custom made from impressions of your teeth so it fits snugly and stays in place while you sleep. Research on splints for TMD pain is still limited, so they work best as one part of a plan.
How do I book a TMJ consultation at Kalamazoo Smiles?
You can call the Venture Park Drive office at (269) 353-3700 or the Drake Road office at (269) 628-8770. Both offices are in Kalamazoo and are open weekdays.
You can also request an appointment online. Bring a list of when your jaw hurts, what makes it worse and any medicines you take.
Get Relief for a Sore Jaw
Jaw pain is common, and most people feel better with simple care and a clear plan. Our dentist in Kalamazoo, MI can help you find the TMJ treatment that fits your symptoms.
Reach out to the office closest to you, or request an appointment online.
