What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

How your dentist can help with TMJ pain

If you suffer from jaw pain, you know it can affect your quality of life. One of the most common reasons for jaw pain is tmjinflammation of the temporomandibular joint known as the TMJ. The TMJ is an important joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, and aids in opening and closing your jaw. Dr. Edmund Jay at Harmony in Dentistry, in La Jolla, San Deigo wants to share his knowledge about this crucial joint called the TMJ.

The TMJ is a unique joint; it is the only joint in your body that is a sliding hinge joint. It moves just like a hinge, sliding back and forth. This unique movement can also result in easy displacement or joint strain, causing inflammation and other TMJ issues including jaw pain.

Your dentist in La Jolla, San Deigo wants you to be able to recognize the common signs and symptoms of TMJ pain, including:

  • Jaw tenderness or pain that doesn’t diminish
  • Aching pain in your face or around your ear
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing
  • Clicking or popping when you chew
  • Locking jaw when you open and close your mouth

There are some simple home therapies which may help your TMJ pain, including:

  • Avoid chewing gum
  • Eat soft foods and avoid sticky or chewy foods
  • Apply moist heat or ice packs to your face and jaw
  • Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Try not to clench or grind your teeth
  • Gently massage your jaw muscles

If you’ve tried home therapies and still suffer from TMJ pain, it’s time to visit your dentist. He can offer several effective treatments to ease your TMJ pain. He may suggest:

  • Prescription strength pain medications
  • Prescription strength muscle relaxants
  • Corticosteroid injections into the jaw joint
  • Flushing the TMJ, also called lavage
  • A custom-made TMJ splint or bite guard
  • Jaw stretching and flexibility exercises
  • Moist heat and ice therapy

If you have chronic, recurring jaw pain, there is no need to suffer. Help is just a phone call away. It’s time to call Dr. Jay at Harmony in Dentistry, in La Jolla, San Deigo. Get some relief for your jaw pain and call today!

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