Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related?

Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint in the jaw that connects the lower jaw bone to the skull on each side of the face and allows you to open and close your mouth. When the temporomandibular joint, TMJ, becomes irritated and inflamed, it is most often a side effect of an underlying issue. TMJ symptoms often result from arthritis or simply grinding your teeth. Symptoms such as pain in the jaw, around the ear, and pain upon eating can all be indicative of TMJ issues. More severe cases can actually present as lockjaw and make it difficult to open and close your mouth.

Is jaw pain tooth related?
Jaw pain can result from medical conditions such as arthritis or heart disease. Tooth decay or a broken tooth can cause a patient to develop a toothache or even an infection and abscess that can lead to referred pain in other parts of the face, including the temporomandibular joint. Often, simply treating the infected tooth should resolve any referred TMJ pain.

Malocclusion (a bad bite) is another culprit of TMJ problems. When a patient receives restorative dental treatment, it can affect their bite which may alter the way their teeth come together, causing additional strain on the joint, leading to inflammation and irritation.

Pain related to TMJ issues can be continuous or intermittent. It can also feel dull and achy or sharp and searing. TMJ also causes tooth pain by irritating trigger points in the face. Trigger points form when muscles become contracted and stiff, preventing oxygenated blood from reaching the area which keeps toxins in a localized spot, leading to tenderness in the area. Trigger point therapy is a great way to release the contracted muscles. Your dentist will not perform trigger point therapy on you but they can refer you to a pain clinic or physical therapist that can help you!

Pain in the temporomandibular joint can radiate to other parts of your face, neck, and head. When pain radiates up it can cause you to feel pain in your ears, head and even eyes. Since the joint is located near a number of muscles, nerves, and ligaments, referred pain from TMJ can radiate downward, making you feel like you have a toothache.

Left untreated, this can all lead to long-term TMJ issues.

How do I know if my jaw pain is a toothache or jaw related?
Pain in the mouth and jaw should always be evaluated by your dentist. If jaw pain lessens when you massage your temporomandibular joint, you may have a TMJ issue. Either way, it is important to seek treatment right away to prevent further damage to your jaw or teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth and take any necessary x-rays to check for tooth decay or an abscess. If they believe you have a TMJ issue, they may refer you to a physical therapist or pain clinic for treatment.

Patients with restorative dental work, and even those who do not have dental restorations can greatly benefit from the use of a night guard while they sleep to relieve any grinding or stress applied to the teeth and jaw. Your dentist can have a custom night guard fabricated for you.