Jaw Pain? It Might Be More Than Just Stress

At Alani Dental Center, we often see patients who are complaining of jaw pain, and it’s easy to assume it’s related to stress. After all, stress often leads to jaw tension and, even unconsciously, teeth clenching or grinding during sleep. However, stress isn’t always to blame.

Sometimes, persistent jaw discomfort is the signal that there is an underlying issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In this article, we’ll discuss when jaw pain may suggest that stress isn’t the leading contributor and that your TMJ needs attention.

What is the TMJ?

You’ve likely heard of TMJ, but you might not know what it stands for. TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. These are the two joints that can be found on either side of your head. Their purpose is to connect your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull (temporal bone).

Your TMJ is a pretty big deal when it comes to your body’s function. Here is what it helps with.

• Opening and closing your mouth for speaking
• Chewing and breaking down food
• Swallowing comfortably
• Moving your jaw side to side and forward for proper bite alignment
• Supporting facial expressions like smiling, laughing, and yawning

Common Signs of TMJ Issues

Jaw pain issues are obviously big indicators that something might not be right with your temporomandibular joint. But you may have some other symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) as well.

• Clicking, popping, or crackling noises in the jaw when opening or closing
• Trouble moving the jaw, including moments when your jaw seems to be locked in place
• Ear-related pain or discomfort, including fullness, a ringing sensation, or pain without infection
• Changes in bite alignment or a feeling that your teeth don’t fit together like they used to
• Changes in your chewing habits, including a subconscious desire to avoid chewing on one side of your mouth
• Facial tingling, numbness, or pressure that isn’t otherwise explained
• Headaches, dizziness, or general fatigue tied to jaw strain

What causes TMJ problems?

Typically, there is an underlying cause that contributes to your jaw pain. If everything has been going well and suddenly you feel pain, something is wrong and it is a good reason to visit a dentist for TMJ. But in most cases, pain in the temporomandibular joint comes on more slowly. Here are some of the things that might be causing your jaw to feel less than ideal.

• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Constant grinding or clenching puts heavy strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
• Bite Misalignment: When your upper and lower teeth don’t come together the way they should, it places uneven pressure on the TMJ, and this can lead to pain. Sometimes, that discomfort can keep you from eating, sleeping, and getting through the day.
• Injury or Trauma: Injuries from sports, falls, and accidents can knock your TMJ out of alignment. The result? Jaw pain.
• Arthritis: Degenerative joint conditions can affect the TMJ just like other joints in the body, causing stiffness and pain.

We’d be remiss, however, if we didn’t mention that stress can absolutely be a cause for TMJ issues. In fact, anytime you are stressed, your body reacts in some ways. And one of the biggest things you might experience is clenching and grinding of your teeth, but during the day and when you are sleeping. Unfortunately, bruxism can wear away the enamel from your teeth, leaving them more exposed and susceptible to cavities.

How can a dentist for TMJ help?

Thankfully, if you have jaw pain caused by the TMJ, you don’t have to suffer alone. In fact, with help from your general dentist in Chattanooga, you don’t have to suffer at all. We can help with a variety of treatments designed to get your jaw back in proper working order so you can feel better.

Here are some of the things we can do.

• Custom Mouth Guards: Designed to prevent clenching and grinding, easing strain on the joints, these oral devices are worn while you sleep and will help protect your dental enamel.
• Bite Adjustments: Small corrections to how your teeth come together can reduce pressure on the TMJ.
• Referrals for Therapy: You’ll get guidance to physical therapy or other specialists for additional support in managing jaw function and pain relief.

If stress is also a contributor, we may offer suggestions on how you can lower your stress levels and improve your general well-being. The most effective solutions include the following.

• Eating a balanced diet
• Staying active by getting about 30 minutes of moderate exercise three or four times per week
• Prioritizing a full night’s sleep (healthy adults need seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night)
• Drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation

Let your dentist for TMJ help with your jaw pain.

Moving on from jaw pain may be easier than you think. It all starts with a visit to your general dentist in Chattanooga. At Alani Dental Center, we’re well-versed in helping patients identify the root cause of their jaw pain so that we can determine the best approach to help them feel better. We can do that for you too.

Request a consultation today, and get on the path to a healthy and happy temporomandibular joint.