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Why You Shouldn't Ignore Recurrent Jaw Pain
If you only feel jaw pain once in a while, it’s probably not a cause for concern. However, when it keeps happening, it may signal something more serious, such as a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
At Nusblatt Dental in the East Village of Manhattan, New York, Dr. Adam Nusblatt and his knowledgeable team specialize in helping patients suffering with TMJ problems and other jaw and dental issues. Here’s what you should know about jaw problems and why it’s important to seek treatment if you experience recurrent jaw pain.
What’s behind your jaw pain
Two temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone on each side of your skull. TMJ problems occur due to a variety of factors. Stress may cause you to clench your teeth and tighten jaw muscles, for example. Other culprits include:
- Jaw injuries
- Gum chewing
- Smoking
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Connective tissue diseases
- Teeth grinding
Other issues, aside from TMJ, could be responsible for your jaw pain. Bacteria surrounding an abscessed tooth, for instance, may inflict jaw pain. Infections from gum disease or sinusitis may also cause pain. It’s important to make an appointment with Dr. Nusblatt so he can accurately diagnose your jaw problem and provide the appropriate treatment.
TMJ symptoms
An estimated 33 million Americans suffer with TMJ, according to the American Dental Association. Clearly, jaw pain is no laughing matter. In fact, TMJ makes it uncomfortable to laugh. Other symptoms include:
- Jaw tenderness
- Earaches and headaches
- Facial pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain or clicking when opening and closing your mouth
TMJ pain may also radiate to your neck and eyes.
How we diagnose and treat jaw pain
During an exam, Dr. Nusblatt feels your jaw and observes its range of motion. He may also use imaging such as dental X-rays or CT scan to help in diagnosing your jaw pain.
If your pain is due to TMJ, you have options. We always recommend more conservative treatment approaches first, such as:
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication
- Applying heat and cold
- Wearing a mouth guard to reduce grinding and protect teeth, joints, and muscles
- Using a stabilization splint to correct your bite to relieve pressure on the joints
- Undergoing physical therapy for the jaw
Dr. Nusblatt may also suggest gentle stretching exercises and a temporary soft food diet.
More advanced treatment options include applying Botox® to the muscles surrounding your temporomandibular joints to temporarily relieve pain. As a more permanent solution, he may recommend joint replacement surgery, but only as a last resort.
Taking steps to reduce or avoid jaw pain
Managing stress, wearing face gear when playing sports, and becoming more aware of certain actions — such as biting your nails, chomping on ice, or taking big bites of food — can help you reduce strain on your jaw.
Even sleeping on your stomach taxes your jaw. Dr. Nusblatt suggests sleeping on your back to better align your head and neck. This position also reduces teeth grinding and clenching.
Don’t ignore persistent jaw pain
Undiagnosed and untreated jaw pain may lead to more serious complications, from permanently stuck jaws to inner ear problems resulting in tinnitus and balance difficulties.
Dr. Nusblatt treats each patient as if they’re one in a million. If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from jaw pain caused by TMJ or other factors, contact Nusblatt Dental to schedule an appointment today.
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