Why You Shouldn't Ignore Recurrent Jaw Pain

Have you noticed that your jaw is sore or tender whenever you eat, yawn, or speak?

Although many people experience jaw pain occasionally due to overuse, between 10% and 15% of adults have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

While you might be tempted to ignore recurring jaw pain and hope it goes away, waiting to seek professional help can increase the risk of chronic pain and affect your jaw joints.

At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team specialize in treating TMJ. Read on to discover what TMJ is, the symptoms it presents, and how it’s treated.

Understanding temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) occurs when the hingelike joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull become irritated and inflamed.

In many cases, the exact cause of TMJ is unknown, but common culprits include:

An injury
Arthritis
Teeth grinding
Jaw clenching

If you have TMJ, daily activities such as speaking, yawning, biting, and chewing can become painful and affect your quality of life.

TMJ symptoms

TMJ disorders affect everyone differently, but there are common symptoms to watch for. These include:

Recurrent jaw pain or soreness
Limited jaw movement
Regular headaches
Ear pain
Popping or clicking sounds when opening your mouth

If these issues occur occasionally, they’re probably nothing to worry about. However, if they persist for several weeks or months and gradually worsen, it’s important to figure out what’s going on.

Without treatment, mild symptoms often progress to chronic jaw pain, bite misalignment, or increased wear-and-tear on the teeth, which can all lead to more serious oral health complications.

How recurrent jaw pain is diagnosed and treated

If you have recurrent jaw pain, don’t wait to schedule a visit with Dr. Mahallati and our caring team.

Before making any treatment recommendations, we review your dental records, ask about your symptoms, and take dental X-rays.

We also complete a comprehensive exam that involves gently pressing on your temporomandibular joints to check for sensitivity and listening to your jaw when you open and close your mouth.

If we confirm your diagnosis, we will develop a treatment plan. Everyone’s situation is different, but the most common first-line treatment is a customized oral appliance, called an occlusal guard.

An occlusal guard is a plastic splint that looks similar to a sports guard. It fits comfortably over your upper or lower teeth and reduces pressure, allowing your jaw muscles to relax. It protects your tooth enamel from damage caused by jaw clenching or teeth grinding.

Most people only wear their occlusal guards at night during sleep, but depending on the severity of your jaw pain, we may also recommend wearing it during the day. Either way, most people benefit from this approach and report less pain and improved jaw mobility.