Understanding and Treating TMJ Pain for a Healthier, Happier Life
Do you experience constant headaches and jaw soreness? The cause could be related to temporomandibular joints (TMJs), two hinge-like joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. When these joints are misaligned or inflamed, you may experience numerous unpleasant symptoms.
No one deserves to live with constant pain. If you’re experiencing TMJ-related discomfort in Mississauga, Ontario, don’t wait to seek relief. Call Family Dental Care Mississauga today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier smile!
How do I know I have TMJ pain?
Living with TMJ pain can suck the life out of you, affecting your physical well-being and emotional health. The constant discomfort in your jaw, face, and neck can make even simple tasks—like chewing, speaking, or yawning—exhausting. Persistent headaches and earaches can become part of your daily routine, robbing you of focus and productivity.
Symptoms and signs of TMJ pain can be summarized as:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Constant tension headaches, usually at the temples and side of the head
- Difficulty opening the jaw
- Clicking or popping sounds when closing/opening the jaws
- Painful chewing
- Tender or painful jaw joints
TMJ pain can also disrupt sleep because finding a comfortable position can be nearly impossible. Over time, the chronic pain and limited jaw movement can take a toll on your mental health, leading to frustration, anxiety, and even depression.
What causes TMJ pain?
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, but several causes have been linked to this condition. The likely causes of TMJ pain include.
- Bruxism: Chronic teeth grinding exerts pressure on the jaw joints and muscles, causing discomfort.
- Stress: Most people cope with stress by grinding and clenching their teeth at night, straining the jaw joints.
- Inflammation: Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases can damage the cartilage of the jaw joints.
- Injury: Injury to the jaws, TMJs, or head and neck muscles can cause TMJ pain.
How is TMJ pain treated?
Before treatment, our doctor will start with a diagnosis. Proper TMJ diagnosis needs advanced technology and a great deal of skill from the dentist. The doctor will review your medical history and your symptoms. Then, we’ll administer a physical exam to observe any tenderness or limited joint mobility. Sometimes, we may use digital scans and x-rays to identify any abnormalities with the jaw joints.
After diagnosis, we’ll devise a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain. Often, the dentist recommends a customized nightguard to treat TMJ pain. A TMJ mouthguard is worn at night when you likely grind your teeth. This oral device creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, allowing jaw joints to relax and heal over time. Continued use also restores the jaw joints to their optimal positions.
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain. Depending on the cause, the doctor can complement a nightguard with the following treatments.
- Jaw rehabilitation exercises
- Muscle relaxants
- Orthodontics to address misaligned teeth or jaws
- Lifestyle changes, including stress management
Ready to reclaim your pain-free life?
TMJ disorder affects more than your jaw—it impacts your entire quality of life. Seeking proper treatment relieves pain and restores your ability to enjoy everyday activities without discomfort. If you need TMJ pain treatment in Mississauga, Ontario, call (289) 813-3441 to schedule an appointment with the Family Dental Care Mississauga team.
