Jaw pain is no joke. When you have it, it can be all-consuming. It hurts to talk, to eat, and even just to exist. So, if this is happening to you, you want it to stop. Fast. You want to feel better and get on with your day. But treating jaw pain starts with understanding the causes and other signs and symptoms you might not be aware of. Why? Because you might have temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also commonly referred to as TMJ.

What is TMJ? 

TMJ issues refer to problems affecting the jaw joints and nearby muscles. The typical result is discomfort, pain, and hindered mouth movements. Often termed TMJ, these problems are officially known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). 

These crucial joints, located just in front of your ears on both sides of your face, link your lower jaw to your skull. They make it possible for you to chew and speak. And while we’ll get into the list of TMJ symptoms shortly, it’s important to know that TMJ disorders are quite common. They affect around 5% to 12% of adults. And, if you are female or were assigned female at birth, you have a higher risk of developing TMD.

Typically, TMD onset occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. So if you are between these ages, and you are feeling jaw pain, you should contact your local dentist in Berrien Springs. A dentist trained in neuromuscular dentistry, such as the team at Berrien Dental, can help you put an end to your jaw pain.

5 Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Addressed by Neuromuscular Dentistry

Experiencing jaw pain and want to feel better? Take a look at this list of five common TMJ signs and symptoms that can be alleviated by neuromuscular dentistry.

1. Jaw pain or discomfort: Feeling pain in or around the jaw joints is a hallmark symptom of a TMJ disorder.
2. Facial pain: Discomfort may extend to the face, manifesting as generalized facial pain.
3. Clicking, popping, or abrasive sounds: Noises like clicking or popping when moving the jaw can indicate joint dysfunction.
4. Limited jaw mobility or locking: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully is another common sign of TMJ problems.
5. Neck, shoulder, and back pain: TMJ issues can lead to referred pain in these areas resulting from muscle tension and imbalance.

Neuromuscular dentistry at Berrien Dental uses sophisticated computerized instrumentation to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. Through techniques like electromyography (EMG), sonography (ESG), and jaw tracking, we can assess muscle dysfunction, joint sounds, and jaw motion. This data helps us to create a tailored, personalized treatment plan aimed at helping you feel better.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

We referenced neuromuscular dentistry above, but we understand that you may never have heard of it before. And that isn’t surprising, as many dentists haven’t yet adopted this approach to patient care. For some history, the term neuromuscular dentistry was coined by Dr. Bernard Jankelson back in 1967. He surmised that the masticatory system is a three-dimensional system composed of the following:

• Teeth
• Muscle
• Temporomandibular Joints

Okay, so what does that mean? The masticatory system refers to the collective structures involved in chewing, including the jaw joints, muscles, and teeth. It enables us to bite, chew, and grind food for digestion.

So, neuromuscular dentistry looks at the three components we mentioned above, to help them work together. More simply stated, traditional dentistry primarily evaluates the teeth, bones, and gums. Neuromuscular dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on the hard and soft tissues, muscles, and nerves.

Treating Jaw Pain at Home 

Treating jaw pain at home involves several strategies to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Start by correcting your posture to reduce strain on the jaw muscles. Minimize wide jaw movements, such as excessive chewing, yawning, singing, or yelling, to prevent further irritation. 

Applying a hot or cold compress to your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes can provide soothing relief. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep and practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Gentle jaw exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce tension.

Additionally, be sure to stop poor habits contributing to jaw pain, such as nail-biting, chewing cheeks or lips, resting your jaw in your hand, clenching or grinding your teeth, and pushing the tongue against your teeth.

If home remedies fail to provide relief or if your symptoms worsen, contact your dentist at Berrien Dental for a professional evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Are you experiencing jaw pain from TMJ issues? Berrien Dental and neuromuscular dentistry can help.

If you are experiencing jaw pain or even headaches from teeth grinding, we can help. Don’t suffer any longer than necessary. We’re here to help. Request an appointment with your dentist in Berrien Springs today so that we can help get you on a path to feeling better.