What is Jaw Pain, Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD)

TMD is a condition where the jaw joint becomes inflamed, causing pain and stiffness in the muscles surrounding the jaw. The cause of TMD is unknown, but some researchers believe it may be related to stress, poor posture, or other factors. Symptoms include headaches, neck pain, earaches, and toothaches. 

What can cause jaw ache

Jaw ache is pretty common among people. It may be caused due to many factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, etc.

Here are some causes of jaw ache:

1. Stress

Stress is one of the main causes of jaw ache. A person under stress tends to grind his/her teeth unconsciously. This habit leads to toothaches and jaw aches.

2. Hard or chewy foods 

A person suffering from jaw ache usually eats food that may be too chunky or firm for the teeth to sink into, causing a spasm in the jaw muscles. The strain from foods that can be difficult to chew can cause stress in the jaw, particularly if the person has a pre-existing jaw issue, gum irritation or compromised teeth structure. Chewing on one side of the jaw also causes stress upon the jaw. 

3. Lack of Sleep

People who don't get adequate sleep tend to suffer from jaw ache. The muscles of the jaw relax after sleeping. Therefore, if you don't get enough sleep, your jaw muscles loosen up and this results in pain.

4. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is another major cause of jaw ache. People who eat sweets often develop cavities. As these cavities grow, they press against nerves causing severe pain.

5. TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is also a major cause of jaw aches. In this condition, the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed. This pre-existing issue may be due to chewing on one side more than another due to teeth alignment or fillings. Previous trauma from an accident or sport can also cause long term TMJ disorders. This causes pain in the head and neck region.

6. Teeth Grinding

Grinding of teeth is another common cause of jaw ache in adults. It occurs when two opposing sets of teeth meet each other. If the teeth are worn out, then they rub together. This phenomenon can occur due to stress, e.g. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or an evolutionary trait to sharpen teeth.  Unfortunately, this friction causes pain, headache and neck pain.  

7. Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition where a person clenches his/her teeth tightly. This tightness causes the muscles of the jaws to contract. This contraction causes pain in the jaw area.

8. Other Conditions

Other conditions that can cause jaw ache include:

• Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Infections

• Anemia

• Thyroid disorders

How can I relieve jaw pain?

There are many ways to treat jaw facial pain. For example, you can use over-the-counter medications & muscle relaxants, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate the symptoms. However, these drugs do not cure the underlying cause of the problem. In addition, using these medications can lead to side effects such as stomach upset, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or dry mouth.

Other dental treatments include physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and surgery. These methods are effective in treating the underlying cause of the jaw pain. However, they come with risks such as bleeding, bruising, swelling, numbness, or scarring.

Can jaw pain heal itself?

Sometimes, however, symptoms should not be ignored as it could be an indication of infection. If you have a toothache, then go to the dentist immediately. However, if you experience jaw pain for longer than 2 weeks, and it was due to trauma, then you should consult a chiropractor. Jaw pain may be caused by a number of things, such as TMJ disorder, stress, or injury.

Why does my jaw hurt on one side?

There are several potential causes of jaw pain occurring on one side of the mouth. The pain may be caused by nerve problems, direct traumatic injuries, or blood vessel issues. Sometimes, it‘s the result of a medical condition, such as an abscessed tooth or cavity, or a gum disease.

Generally, one-sided jaw pain isn’t serious but gradually can lead to wearing of the joints in the jaw.If you are experiencing pain clicking or popping or accompanied by any other symptoms, you should contact work together with a chiropractor and dentist to help rectify the alignment for your TMJ and teeth to prevent from other phenomenon from occurring eg tension headache, wear and tear in jaw.  

Teeth grinding and clenching

Teeth grinding and clenches are two different things. Teeth grinding is when teeth rub against each other while clenching is when muscles contract around the jaw. Both of these activities can cause pain and damage to the teeth.

If you grind your teeth at night, then you could be grinding your teeth too hard. You might want to try wearing a night guard to protect your teeth from being damaged.

Clenching can occur during sleep or while awake. When you clench your teeth, you put pressure on them. This puts strain on the jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to inflammation of the joints.

Need further assistance?

Our team at LJ Chiropractic, Courtney, Sophia and Li Jen are experts when it comes to jaw pain conditions. We believe preventative chiropractic care and management prior to pain determines the longevity of joint movement and prevents injuries occurring, allowing you to lead an active lifestyle. LJ Chiropractic offers tailored treatment options to accommodate the varied needs of our patients. Contact us now for your dental treatments physical examination!