When Should You See a Dentist for TMJ Pain?

We often use our mouths and don’t even think about the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) unless a problem arises. TMJ connects your jaw to your skull and allows us to use our mouth efficiently.

These joints move in different directions and aren’t immune to defects, and sometimes they can have problems referred to as a TMJ disorder.

When you suspect to be suffering from a joint disorder by feeling unusual when using your mouth, it’s vital to seek a TMJ treatment near you.

Signs That You Should See a Dentist for TMJ Pain

We usually use our temporomandibular joint multiple times every day without being aware. Whether you are talking, eating, or chewing gums, the joint is constantly in use by facilitating the opening and closing of the mouth. For most people, this happens with ease. However, to some, there could be issues.

Below are the signs that you require TMJ treatment near you:

• When you experience jaw pain

TMJ pain ranges from mild discomfort to excessive aching. You might develop difficulty when talking, chewing, or other joint-related activities like yawning. The pain starts as jaw tenderness which feels like you have a tired jaw. Eventually, the situation may deteriorate to your neck, ears, and shoulder.

• When you develop chronic headaches

Eating and chewing gums tighten your jaw muscles; these muscles are interconnected to other muscles around your neck and head. Pressure from chewing may result in pain that radiates to the skull creating chronic headaches.
If you have a constant migraine, contact a TMJ specialist.

• When you have jaw stiffness

It is worrying about having a stuck jaw, especially if it happens in a closed position. Moreover, developing a stiff jaw frequently is something you shouldn’t ignore. A stiff jaw is one of the significant signs of TMJ, so if you experience one regularly, see a TMJ dentist.

• When your jaw makes clicking or popping sounds

Most people who develop TMJ disorder develop this common annoyance. A clicking jaw is usually a result of disc dislocation within the jaw. While it’s typically painless, popping and clicking may be accompanied by jaw pain, which arises the need for a professional evaluation.

• When your ears are ringing

Hissing, ringing, or roaring the ears is referred to as tinnitus. This is a TMJ disorder when an inflamed temporomandibular joint affects the balance of the eardrum.

The sound is loud and chronic for some people, while others experience a soft and sporadic sound. The sound is usually relieved when you open or close the jaw, visit a TMJ dentist once you experience this.

Causes of TMJ Pain

Teeth grinding – Due to stress, some people may grind their teeth when sleeping without being aware. The pressure exerted from clenching our teeth can cause teeth to crack or strain the TMJ resulting in pain. People who grind their teeth can wear custom-made mouth guards that protect their teeth.

Periodontal disease – Gum disease leads to gum recession, tooth loss, and bone loss. The infection spreads around the TMJ resulting in pain. Visit our dentist near you to learn more about our periodontal treatment options.

Injury – A severe blow to your jaw can result in mouth injuries resulting in TMJ pain.

TMJ Disease Treatment

Treatment is mainly done through surgery or therapy.

Therapy

Typical therapies lower the effects of your TMJ disorder. They include:

• Physical therapy – these are exercises meant to strengthen the jaw muscles by using mouth guards, and this therapy helps manage your TMJ disorder.
• Counseling – this familiarizes you with how habits contribute to TMJ disorder. For instance, stress may cause you to grind your teeth without being aware. Therefore, stress management is vital to halt teeth grinding.

Surgery

When other treatment procedures fail to work, your dentist may recommend surgery to alleviate the disorder. However, if TMJ disorder is due to an accident, surgery is the only option.

Living with a TMJ disorder can be a painful experience. Look for TMJ treatment in Torrance, CA, when you have jaw pain. At Sparkle Family Dentistry, we are reliable in treating dental conditions. Kindly contact us today to schedule your appointment.