Why Does Anyone Suffer From Tmj Disorder

The temporomandibular joint functions as both a hinge and a sliding joint. A small shock-absorbing disc separates the sections of the bones that interact in the joint and covers them, which usually keeps movement fluid.

TMJ issues can be excruciating if:

• The disc deteriorates or shifts out of alignment.
• Arthritis erodes the cartilage in the joint.
• A blow or other impact causes the joint to become injured.

However, the root cause of TMJ issues is frequently unclear.

Why Does My Jaw Hurt When I Eat

Eating is one of the greatest pleasures of being alive. Whether you are enjoying a home-cooked meal or dining out for a special occasion, enjoying our food makes everything a little better.

But what if eating leaves you feeling pain? That can really bring down your mood, and it can affect those around you.

If you find your jaw feeling sore during or after a meal, you could be suffering from a TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Youll be glad to know that this is treatable. If you live in Cobb County, our team at West Atlanta Dentistry will be happy to help you.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Dr. Lowder:

Interviewer: Yeah, so that muscle is constantly just cramping practically. Is that what’s going on there?

Dr. Lowder: It is. And it can actually make your bite feel like it has changed. So the teeth position has not changed but the whole jaw position has changed because of the dysfunctional positioning of that muscle. These tensions in the muscle can also create what’s known as tension type headache. They usually occur in the temporal region or the temples right behind your eye. It can be one side or both sides. And it often can occur either upon awakening, which can signal that you’ve been clenching through the night. It can also occur at the end of the day, which indicates again that you may have been clenching during the day. The clenching can also give rise to tooth pain, muscle pain in the face and can also cause wear and breakdown of the supporting bone of the teeth or the periodontal bone.

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Who Is Most Often Affected

The following people are more often affected by jaw pain.

• Women between the ages of about 30 to 50 seem to be most often affected: However, anyone can have the symptom of jaw pain.
• Anyone with the constant habit of chewing gum may find themselves with jaw pain: This is due to simple overuse of the chewing muscles.
• If you wear orthodontic braces you may experience jaw pain: This is due to the forces trying to readjust the alignment of your teeth.
• Sitting with poor posture with your head forward: Such as when looking at a computer screen all day, is sometimes associated with TMJ pain

What Is Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be a sign of something as common as a toothache — or even something as serious as a heart attack. Your jawbone, also called a mandible, connects to your skull at a pair of joints known as the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. These joints are just in front of your ears, and they let you open and close your mouth.

Your jaw also holds your teeth and gums, which can be sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure. They also can get infected if you donât keep them clean.

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Joint And Jaw Strengthening Diet

Certain foods have been shown to help strengthen joints and support overall joint health. Others have been shown to hinder good joint health and should be avoided whenever possible.

Foods that are good for repairing joints and overall joint health:

• Naturally occurring gelatin and hyaluronic acid, both of which have been shown to help strengthen joints
• Organ meats and red meats , which help to increase joint-repairing nutrients in your body
• Saturated fats , which may help strengthen joints. However, be aware that gaining weight is bad for joint health, so consume only small amounts of saturated fat.

Foods that you should reduce to protect the joints:

• Preservatives, especially MSG

Ear Pain When Chewing Should Be Examined

Pain in the ears when chewing food or gum can range from a mild discomfort to a severe sharp, stabbing pain. The ears are connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube and share muscle tissue with the joint of the jawline.

An infection of the middle ear, effects of the common cold, and allergies may contribute to ear pain. Dental problems such as a cavity or tooth decay can also produce pain in both the mouth and the ear.

TMJ syndrome is a major factor when assessing ear pain. The grinding and clicking noise that accompanies the pain may indicate overuse and damage to the joint by improper eating habits, teeth clenching, arthritis, or injury.

Depending on the cause of the ear pain, treatment may include consuming soft foods, using heat and ice compresses, and avoiding the excessive chewing that often occurs with gum and hard foods.

Certain infections may require medical treatment to prevent further complications such as hearing loss or damage to the teeth.

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Why Does My Jaw Hurt On One Side

Any type of sudden pain can feel alarming, especially if its on your face. If you suddenly experience pain on one side of your jaw, its usually not an emergency but it can indicate that theres an underlying health condition going on. If youre suddenly experiencing jaw pain on one side, its likely due to one of the following conditions.

Less Common Cause Types

Causes of jaw pain that are less common include the following.

• Anxiety: This leads to tension, which can lead to tooth grinding and jaw clenching. The actions can cause damage and uneven wear to the surface of the teeth, which then causes uneven pressure on the joints of the jawbones.
• Overusing the jaw muscles for chewing or even talking: This can leave these muscles sore and inflamed.
• Abnormalities of the jaw: These can be treated by dentists and other specialists.
• Myofascial pain syndrome: This is where “trigger points” small areas of very tight, contracted muscle tissue cause pain when touched or pressed.

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What Should I Do About Tmd

The problem with TMJ disorders is that like most joints in your body, they are prone to arthritis. In the majority of cases, TMD is caused by excessive tooth grinding while sleeping. In other words, its related to stress or bad habits. In most cases, determining the cause of the TMD can reduce symptoms and prevent further damage. Those who simply manage the disorder through pain medications will find that the joint has a tendency to become more painful over time. Those who have developed TMD due to teeth grinding are at the greatest risk of developing arthritis in the jaw joint. For them, the use of a mouthguard at night can help prevent extensive damage caused by TMD.

In other cases, medication may be necessary. Dentists have even begun using botox to relax the jaw bone. It will depend entirely on the cause of your TMD.

Jaw Pain When Opening Mouth Other Causes

Jaw pain can be a severe problem for all of us. That is why it is vital to seek help early if you notice a worsening issue. The problem could be related to headaches, a virus, or it could be dental, as you will soon see.

The only way to know what could be the cause is a proper check-up. A jaw scan will reveal if it is a joint issue or something else. Take a look at these other causes of jaw pain.

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Causes Of Painful Eating

Pain during or after eating can result from a number of problems, including tooth decay or other dental problems. Make sure you see your dentist every six months for a checkup and discuss any symptoms youre having.

If you get frequent headaches, especially migraines, you may also notice that certain foods or the act of chewing very crunchy foods can trigger a headache. If this is happening to you, you may need to see a medical professional who specializes in headache treatment.

Many times, however, pain from eating isnt a tooth or headache issue its a jaw issue. A temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the jaw and facial area that can get worse when eating, talking, chewing gum or even breathing through the mouth. TMD is often called TMJ, which is actually the name for the affected jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint.

Besides jaw pain and pain after eating, people who have TMD may notice:

• Jaw popping, clicking, or a grinding, gravelly sound when using the jaw

• Regular headaches, especially upon waking in the morning or after using the jaw Temple area pain Pain or stiffness in the back, shoulders, or neck

• Inability to freely move or open or close the jaw

• Ear pain without an ear infection

• Ringing in the ears

• Balance problems or dizziness

Stuck Food In The Teeth:

It may indicate misaligned teeth if you frequently get food trapped between your teeth. Another factor could be gum disease-related tooth loosening. Before we realise there has been a major shift in our teeth’s mobility, the force of chewing is enough to push food between teeth. In other words, this might be the initial red flag.

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How Do You Treat Tmd

First and foremost, we want to determine what is causing your symptoms. Jaw pain and discomfort are good indications that you may be suffering from TMD. Even so, we want to be certain that is the cause before we start any treatment.

Our dental staff will give you an examination, take X-rays, and run other tests to determine if you are experiencing TMD. If you are, we will find the right treatment for your mouth.

One example of treatment is a mouthguard. This is similar to the mouthguards you may have seen athletes wear while competing. The difference is you wear your mouthguard at night. If you grind their teeth in their sleep, this will help you relax by changing the position of your jaw.

Bite adjustments are another option to minimize the effects of TMD.

And in other cases, Botox can be used to help you relax your jaw. By doing so, your temporomandibular joint will be under less stress and less pressure. In turn, this can lead to less pain for you.

What You Should Know About Tmd

TMD is a complex condition because the TMJ is a complex joint. The bones, muscles, and tendons that allow you to move your jaw in different directions must work together perfectly in order to function without pain or symptoms of TMD. If something throws off this balance, the TMJ may become irritated, swollen, or inflamed. This can quickly lead to TMD symptoms.

Many people think that some soreness or popping of the jaw when eating is normal its not. The jaw should work silently and smoothly when its in optimal condition. You should be able to eat without any discomfort or stiffness. If this is not the case, dont ignore it. Over time, symptoms could get worse. Make an appointment with a medical professional who is educated in TMJ disorders and can guide you through treatment.

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Causes Of Severe Jaw Pain

Conditions that affect the jaw itself can result in severe pain. However, conditions that affect different parts of the face the sinuses, ears, and teeth can also cause severe jaw pain. This makes it difficult to assess if jaw pain is because of a jaw issue or other condition. As a result, it is very important to make an appointment with your physician in order to discuss the possible causes of your pain.

Reasons Your Jaw Hurts While Chewing Food

Food is one of the most essential things humans have to do for the rest of their lives, and it is designed to be enjoyable, all the flavors and different tastes, all the cultural cuisines and the variety of foods makes it easy to get what you need, but when eating is connected to pain, it becomes unsatisfying and difficult, we try to answer why your jaw hurts while chewing food and what you can do against it.

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Rheumatoid Or Psoriatic Arthritis

These forms of arthritis occur because your immune system attacks healthy joints. Both rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are identified as autoimmune conditions.

You may experience joint pain throughout your body at different times, including in your TMJ, and certain triggers may cause the pain to flare up.

How To Alleviate Jaw Pain

Do you have mild pain in your jaw? You may not need medical treatment! Here are a few ways you can get relief:

• Apply a hot or cold compress. Heat can help your muscles relax, giving you relief from aches and stiffness. Alternatively, a cold compress can numb the pain and reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief. Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can temporarily relieve your pain.
• Rest your jaw as much as possible. Stick to a diet of soft foods that dont require a lot of chewing. Itll help you avoid overworking your jaw muscles!
• Massage your jaw. It can help release pain and tension in your jaw. Try some techniques on your own or visit a specialist for help .

If youre experiencing jaw pain on one side, use the tips outlined above for some relief. Although it should typically resolve on its own within a few days, you can always seek treatment from your dentist for peace of mind!

About the Author

Dr. Nicholas Brong is passionate about helping patient achieve and maintain optimal oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco. If youre experiencing one-sided jaw pain, Dr. Brong and his team can help you get the prompt relief you deserve. To make an appointment, visit our website or call 288-1066.

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Fast Facts On Jaw Popping:

• Jaw popping without accompanying pain is not typically a cause for concern.
• If certain health conditions underlie the popping, medical intervention may be needed.
• The cause of jaw popping is not completely understood.
• Jaw popping can often be treated at home, especially if there is no pain or other symptoms.

Jaw popping may be the only symptom experienced. However, TMD can often cause other symptoms as well, including:

• pain and discomfort

• changes in mood

Remedies For Mild Jaw Pain On One Side

At-home remedies can help reduce mild jaw pain. Common remedies include:

• Applying heat, or ice or cold compresses to the jaw for a few minutes several times daily to relieve pain
• OTC pain and anti-inflammatory medications
• Exercises that stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
• Massaging the jaw
• Avoiding repetitive jaw motions like chewing gum
• Eating soft foods that are bite-sized or cut into small pieces
• Eating or drinking cool or cold foods
• Practicing muscle relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing
• Reducing or managing stress

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Mar Foods To Avoid When Your Jaw Hurts

When your jaw hurts, it can make your day to day life difficult. Suddenly, simple things, like eating and speaking, become painful, arduous tasks. Jaw pain is often the result of problems with your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.

The hinge that holds your upper and lower jaws together and is responsible for you being able to open and close your mouth, chew, and talk, becomes inflamed.

While this can happen for a number of different reasons, certain activities exacerbate the symptoms. One such thing is the food you eat. Eating a nutritious diet is important, but when your jaw hurts, there are certain foods you should avoid.

What To Do If Tmd Treatment Isn’t Working

Interviewer: How many people are in the situation where this is something they’re going to have to live with?

Dr. Lowder: I would guess maybe 10 to 15% of the TMD population.

Interviewer: There’s just nothing they can do?

Dr. Lowder: They seem to have to use medication to control pain. And that can include muscle relaxants. And it can include anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin or Tylenol. Rarely do we have to go as far as using narcotic type medications and muscle relaxants, but those can be used early on in an acute case of TMD.

Interviewer: But if I stopped the chewing the gum and I tried to be more mindful about the clenching of the teeth, maybe stop eating hard foods. That can give some relief to just about everybody.

Dr. Lowder: It certainly can. You need to think of this as a joint. And if you were to sprain your ankle you wouldn’t go running a race or go bowling or something like that. You’d be very careful with that ankle until it got its normal function and comfort restored.

I think it’s important that your dentist knows how to properly adjust the splint so that he’s not creating a new malocclusion with the way the bite fits on the plastic. It needs to fit in a comfortable position where all of the teeth are hitting together at the same time and with the same amount of force so that the joints and the muscles are comfortable and they like that relief.

Interviewer: So for most people with TMJ or TMD, if you want to be technical, there is some relief.

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