Do you have tooth or gum pain that just won’t go away?
What if we said your teeth and gums are okay, and the pain is actually in the jaw?
Many people blame gingivitis or other sinus infections for their oral pain but rarely does a bone or sinus problem cause jaw pain. More often than not, your toothache is stemming from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
TMJ syndrome is a chronic condition that causes long-term discomfort in the teeth, jaw, and gums.
Your temporomandibular joint sits on both sides of your head in front of your ears. It connects the jawbone to the skull. A healthy TMJ rotates and moves freely. It helps you speak, chew, yawn, and swallow.
But if you experience pain, odd sounds, or tension near your TMJ, then you may have TMJ disorder.
Problems with your TMJ stem from:
The most common cause of TMJ disorder, however, is bruxism.
Bruxism causes tension in the neck, head, and teeth. It leads to teeth clenching, which makes TMJ symptoms worse. Bruxism is most common in people who frequently feel tense or stressed.
Speak with a your dentist if you experience:
A TMJ general dentist will use medical imaging technology (like X-rays and CT scans) to evaluate your jaw position and movements.
In some cases, naturally reducing tension can alleviate TMJ pain. Your TMJ trained general dentist may work with you to incorporate jaw exercises and soft foods into your routine. They may also prescribe pain medication to lessen jaw discomfort.
In more severe cases, TMJ surgery is required. Open-joint surgery is highly effective and can successfully reset the jaw. TMJ surgery reduces pain and stiffness, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.
Are you ready to get to the root of your toothache and jaw pain? Heritage Dental Centre can help.
Our experienced professionals are well-versed in identifying, diagnosing, and treating TMJ disorders in patients.
It just takes a few minutes to book a visit online.
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