Jaw Pain in Queens, NY
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What’s Causing Your Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain in a dental setting is most often tied to the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. This is the hinge joint on each side of your head that lets you open, close, and slide your jaw when you talk, chew, or yawn. When that joint or the muscles around it get strained, inflamed, or out of alignment, dentists call it a TMJ disorder, or TMD.
Common causes of TMJ-related jaw pain include:
- Clenching or grinding (bruxism), often during sleep, which overloads the jaw joint and muscles.
- Arthritis affecting the joint itself.
- Jaw injury or dislocation from a fall, sports impact, or car accident.
- A bite that’s out of alignment, which puts uneven pressure on the joint.
Beyond the pain itself, common signs of TMJ disorder include clicking or popping when you open your mouth. Your jaw may lock or feel limited in how far it opens. You may also feel soreness or fatigue when you chew.
When Jaw Pain Isn’t a Dental Problem
Sinus infections can send pain into the upper jaw. In rare cases — especially on the left side, along with chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating — jaw pain can be a warning sign of a heart attack. If your jaw pain comes on suddenly with any of those symptoms, get emergency medical care first, not a dental appointment.
How We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Pain
Your family dentist at CitiDental of Woodhaven examines your jaw, bite, and teeth. He’ll ask when the pain started and what makes it better or worse. Depending on the cause, treatment can include a custom night guard to protect your teeth and joint from grinding, softer foods and heat while the joint calms down, relaxation techniques to reduce daytime clenching, or a referral for physical therapy in tougher cases.
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Read More About Jaw Pain
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
On each side of your jaw, a joint called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain at the joint itself, headaches, ear discomfort, or trouble chewing. A loud clicking sound when you open your mouth is also a common sign. The cause isn’t always clear, but it often includes:
- Connective tissue disorders.
- Injury.
- Dislocation.
- Arthritis.
Could Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Be the Cause?
It’s possible to grind or clench your teeth without even knowing it. Bruxism can happen while you sleep or while you’re awake. The more it happens, the more likely you are to also get earaches, headaches, or tooth pain and sensitivity. The Mayo Clinic notes bruxism can also come with lockjaw, worn tooth enamel, and broken, loose, or flat teeth.
A custom-fit night guard from your Queens dentist is the best way to protect your teeth if you grind at night. Daytime clenching often responds well to meditation and other relaxation methods.
How Is TMJ Diagnosed and Treated?
Your Queens dentist checks the muscles and joints in your jaw for popping, clicking, tenderness, and pain. He uses dental X-rays and further testing as needed to reach a TMJ diagnosis.
Treatment options can include:
- Eating softer foods to reduce strain on the joint.
- Practicing relaxation techniques.
- Using a heating pad for muscle tension.
- Anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxant, or pain medication in some cases.
Can a Jaw Injury Cause This Pain?
A trauma to your face can dislocate or fracture your jaw. Any blow to your jaw may cause pain, bruising, or swelling. Teeth can also become loosened or knocked out from an accident, a fall, or an assault.
Certain contact sports can lead to jaw or mouth injuries. Your Queens dentist practices family dentistry, so he can make custom mouthguards for you and your kids to help prevent sports-related jaw injuries.
Other Dental Conditions That Cause Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is sometimes related to neck or spinal issues. But several dental conditions can cause it too. Cavities and gum disease, tooth infection, tooth nerve pain, and throbbing tooth pain can all spread pain into the jaw.
Untreated tooth decay that never got a filling can spread to the inner tooth. It may eventually need a root canal. If a bacterial infection reaches the jawbone, it can cause jaw pain instead of — or along with — the more familiar toothache.
Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Practice good daily oral hygiene too. This goes a long way toward avoiding this whole chain of problems.
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