Do you wake up with a sore jaw most mornings? Perhaps you hear a clicking sound when you chew, or live with tension headaches as a constant companion. If jaw pain is interrupting your daily life and routines, you’re not alone. Many people experience temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and bruxism (teeth grinding). The good news is that non-surgical treatments may help manage your symptoms and improve your jaw function.
Some actions you can take right now for jaw pain:
- Book a consultation to identify the root cause of your jaw pain
- Ask about custom oral appliances designed for nighttime protection
- Ask about injectable therapies that may reduce muscle overactivity
- Call ICS Dental Studio on (02) 8528 7144 to discuss TMJ relief options
Understanding the Jaw: The Root of TMJ Pain and Bruxism
Your temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are damaged or don’t work properly, you may experience pain associated with a TMJ disorder. Symptoms can vary widely and might include:
- Pain or soreness in your jaw
- Pain in or near the ear
- Facial pain that aches
- Headaches
- Pain while chewing
- Jaw tenderness
- Tooth pain
- Eye or neck pain
- Radiating pain in your face and neck
You may also have a grating feeling or hear clicking noises when you chew or open your mouth. Bruxism may contribute to jaw pain. This involves grinding or clenching your teeth involuntarily, and often happens while you’re sleeping. The constant grinding pressure on your teeth and jaw can strain those muscles. Over time, bruxism can lead to tooth wear, muscle pain, and ongoing discomfort. TMJ disorders and bruxism often overlap. And bruxism may be a contributing factor to TMJ disorders.
Several things may trigger these issues. It’s usually not just one thing. Triggers may include stress, misaligned teeth, jaw injuries or arthritis. Your Mortdale dentist can help you locate the cause of your symptoms and then work with you to build an appropriate treatment plan.
Injection-Based Therapies: Addressing Muscle Overactivity
When your jaw muscles continuously work too hard, muscle relaxant injections may help. These treatments may temporarily reduce the contractions in your jaw. Here’s how this works. Your dentist in Mortdale will inject a small amount of medication into your jaw muscles. The TMJ treatment won’t keep you from going about your normal life. You’ll still be able to eat and talk as you always do. You may start to notice results after a few days. The treatment effects typically last for several months before you need another treatment, but the effects vary between patients.
Managing these conditions often involves more than one type of treatment. Your dentist might recommend combining treatments based on your individual symptoms and needs. Other treatments might include custom nightguards, physical therapy or myofunctional and postural retraining.
Living With Jaw Pain in Mortdale near East Hills? Let Us Help
Living with jaw pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Non-surgical options may give you TMJ relief in Mortdale. At ICS Dental Studio, we offer TMJ and bruxism care that’s specific to your situation. If you’re ready to explore your options, call us on (02) 8528 7144 to book your consultation.