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Jaw pain can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and sometimes pretty alarming. If you notice soreness when you chew, a clicking or grinding sound when you open your mouth, or stiffness that won’t go away, you may wonder whether you just have a sore jaw or if you need to look for TMJ treatment near you. Our team at Dental Specialty Associates is here to help you enjoy a comfortable smile again with jaw pain treatments in Phoenix and Gilbert.
This post can help you understand the difference between jaw pain vs TMJ disorder and what options you may have for jaw pain relief.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder (also called TMD for short) refers to problems affecting the temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to talk, chew, and move your mouth comfortably.
These joints involve a rounded bone at the top of the lower jaw that fits into a groove near your ear. A pad of cartilage cushions the bones. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles on the sides of the face and head connect everything and allow you to move your jaw.
When there is a problem with any of these structures, it can lead to symptoms like:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Locked jaw
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Ear pain
- Ringing in the ears
TMJ disorder can range from mild to severe, and it often develops over time rather than happening suddenly.
Common Causes of TMD
There are several factors that can cause TMD. In many cases, it’s the result of multiple factors working together. Common causes include:
- Bite problems: When your teeth don’t meet properly, it can put strain on your jaw joints and muscles.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it, which can overwork the jaw or even injure the cartilage or ligaments.
- Stress and muscle tension: Chronic tension in the face and jaw muscles can contribute to discomfort and inflammation.
- Injury or trauma: A blow to the jaw can affect how the joint functions. While the joint can heal, these types of injuries can lead to long-term inflammation or changes to the way your jaw joints fit together.
- Arthritis: Some people develop arthritis in the jaw joints, which can change the shape of the bones and affect jaw health.
Not All Jaw Pain Is Caused by TMD
TMJ disorder is a common cause of jaw pain, but not all jaw pain is caused by TMD. In fact, many cases of jaw pain and discomfort are temporary and caused by something much simpler. That’s why it’s important not to jump to conclusions or self-diagnose.
Our team is proud to provide comprehensive consultations for jaw pain treatment in Phoenix and Gilbert to properly identify the root of your pain and provide a tailored and effective approach.
Other Issues That Can Cause Jaw Pain
There are several dental and medical conditions that can lead to jaw pain without true TMJ disorder. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward providing effective jaw pain treatment.
Problem Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly, it can cause jaw pain and stiffness. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, soreness, and a feeling of pressure in the jaw.
Dental Infections or Gum Disease
An infected tooth or dental abscess can cause significant jaw pain. This can happen because of swelling, inflammation, or referred pain (when you feel discomfort in a different area than the pain is actually coming from). Infections can be serious dental emergencies that need prompt treatment, so don’t hesitate to call our office about sudden, intense jaw pain.
Gum disease can also lead to inflammation and discomfort in surrounding tissues, which can feel like discomfort in the jaw. If gum disease has caused missing or shifting teeth, it can affect your bite and lead to TMJ problems as described above.
Strain from Overuse
Chewing on very hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, chewing gum, yawning too wide, or even excessive talking can strain the jaw muscles. This type of pain is usually temporary and improves with rest. However, for people who do a lot of public speaking, performing, or singing, or who have habits like nail biting or chewing on ice, this type of muscle strain can become chronic.
Injuries
Like any area of the body, injuries to the jaw or face can cause pain in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. If the joint capsule becomes swollen after an injury, even minor trauma can lead to soreness and limited movement.
Certain Illnesses
Medical conditions like sinus infections, ear infections, or diseases such as mumps can cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the jaw joints. This can happen because surrounding tissues become inflamed and put pressure on the joint. The discomfort should go away after the illness resolves.
How to Tell If You Have TMJ Disorder vs. Temporary Jaw Pain
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between jaw pain and TMJ disorder, but there are a few clues to look for.
Temporary jaw pain often:
- Appears suddenly
- Improves within a few days
- Is linked to a clear cause (like chewing something hard)
TMJ disorder is more likely if you notice:
- Ongoing or recurring pain
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Frequent headaches or ear discomfort
If your symptoms last more than a week or keep coming back, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation for TMJ treatment in Phoenix or Gilbert.
Looking for Jaw Pain Relief in Phoenix or Gilbert? We Can Help!
You don’t have to live with jaw pain or wonder what’s causing it. The right diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we provide personalized jaw pain treatment and TMJ treatments in Phoenix and Gilbert. Our team of specialists include a skilled prosthodontist who can help to rebuild a healthy, balanced bite and an oral surgeon who can remove infected and impacted teeth.
Your long-term oral health and everyday comfort are our top priorities. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule an evaluation with our team today!
