Find Relief for Jaw Pain

Are you experiencing pain in your jaw, ear, or teeth? It could be related to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but your dentist could help you find relief.

As part of a thorough examination, we can help diagnose your TMJ pain and recommend a holistic treatment plan, including stress management or Botox injections. Book an appointment today and start finding relief for your jaw pain.

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About TMJ

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing your jaw to move so you can speak, eat, and laugh. Problems with this complex joint can occur for many reasons—many of them linked to stress.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can range from mild discomfort to more severe, life-affecting concerns. These include:

Sore, tender jaw muscles, which may be worse when you wake up, eat, or yawn
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
Jaws that lock open or closed
Headaches
Neck pain
Clicking, grinding, or popping when you open your mouth or while chewing

People experiencing these TMD symptoms may also feel additional stress and anxiety because they feel they need to adapt to or avoid social situations while dealing with the pain and limitations of TMD.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Stress is a major factor in most cases of TMD. In part, this is because people who are under stress often clench or grind their teeth day and night. These stressed-out individuals might also chew on pencils, fingernails, or gum, contributing to muscle fatigue and pain.

Other causes of TMD include:

An injury to your jaw or face, including whiplash, a fracture, or dislocation
Rheumatoid arthritis
Loose or missing teeth
Poorly fitting dentures
Gum disease

How Is TMJ Disorder Treated?

The cause of your TMJ pain can help us create a treatment plan for you. Because of the common link between TMD and stress, we may make recommendations that extend to your broader well-being beyond your oral care.

These could include:

Relaxation techniques
Staying away from sticky foods and not chewing gum
Gentle jaw massage and stretching

Other treatment options might include:

Botox injections for pain relief
Medication to relieve pain and inflammation
Braces to correct a bad bite
A night guard or bite plate to address teeth grinding at night or during the day
A referral to a physiotherapist
In some cases, surgery may be an appropriate option