Is Your Jaw Pain Caused By TMJ?

How do you know if you’re dealing with TMJ disorder? 

We all have temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and they’re responsible for all jaw movements including speaking and chewing, but we don’t all deal with TMJ disorder. If you find yourself frequently dealing with aching, sore, and tired jaws, you should consult our Springfield, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Fairfax, VA, dentists about TMJ disorder.

You could be dealing with a TMJ disorder if:

• Your jaw pops or clicks when you talk or chew
• You experience soreness in the jaw
• Your jaw easily feels tired or overworked
• You feel dizzy
• You experience jaw tenderness
• You experience jaw stiffness
• You have frequent tension headaches
• You have ear pain or facial pain
• Your dentist notices abnormal wear and tear on teeth
• You develop pain in the shoulders and neck
  
  

If your discomfort is minor there are several ways to ease TMJ disorder-related pain on your own including:

• Applying a cold compress to the face. Alternatively, moist heat may also provide relief
• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Cutting food into bite-sized pieces
• Avoiding anything that causes large jaw movements such as chewing gum, crunching ice, or yawning
  
  

If you are dealing with jaw or facial pain that doesn’t go away despite home care and rest, it’s important that you consult our Springfield, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Fairfax, VA, family dentists to find out if you could be dealing with a TMJ disorder. While a TMJ disorder will typically go away on its own, there are options we can offer our patients who are dealing with chronic and more severe cases.

Some ways we may recommend treating your TMJ include:

• Prescription-strength pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants
• Special exercises
• Stress management and relaxation techniques
• Botox treatment
• Bite splint or plate to wear a night to prevent wear and tear on teeth from grinding
• Orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth, which can play a role in the development of a TMJ disorder
• Jaw surgery in rare cases
  
  

Don’t let TMJ pain run the show. Our Springfield, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Fairfax, VA, dentists can provide you with options to ease your pain and help treat your TMJ disorder. To discuss treatment options with us, call My Braces Doctor at (703) 877-0990.