TMJ Jaw Pain

If You Have Jaw Pain, It May Be Due to TMJ

Jaw pain or soreness is common to those who suffer from TMJ. It is one of the chief symptoms, actually. Let's talk about it in more depth.

If you are suffering from a constant pain or ache or a strong, tangible soreness in the muscles of your jaw, then you may be afflicted with TMJ jaw pain.

TMJ stands for Temporo Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome.

There are many symptoms of this but jaw clicking, jaw popping, and jaw pain are among its chief indicators.

This problem can not be allowed to fester. If so, it could worsen and that could result in other health problems.

Jaw pain associated with TMJ manifests itself when you wake up with a "stiff" feeling in your jaw. Also, as mentioned, if you hear pops and clicks in your jaw when you open and/or close your jaw, that's a very clear symptom.

What Causes TMJ Pain?

There are a number of causes but one of the chief ones is stress. Yes, stress. It's a precursor to TMJ in that it can, not will but can, cause teeth grinding or bruxism, which is a whole other health issue.

Bruxism is the unconscious grinding of the teeth while sleeping. It can lead to TMJ jaw pain or TMJ -- and that is the core point.

TMJ jaw pain can be a very persistent problem as there can be permanent damage to the jaw joint.

TMJ, Jaw Pain & TMJ Headaches

Symptoms of this problem go beyond jaw pain. Many people also experience a dull constant headache, shoulder pain, ear aches, tinnitus (ear ringing), tangential muscle pain in the neck and other symptoms like unexplained headaches. Even stomach pain has been reported as well.

TMJ is a health problem where you either experience pain and/or an actual loss of jaw function. The pain can range from a mild ache in the morning to constant, unremitting chronic pain. Loss of function can actually happen where one is unable to even open the jaw at all.

Jaw pain is not normal nor is clicking jaw sounds. The click or pop signifies the displacement of the cartilaginous disc that is between the bones of the jaw. It's there so as to provide cushion and support.  Without this support, the bony structures of the jaw will deteriorate to a point where just basic opening and closing of the mouth causes not only clicks or pops but real pain. 

TMJ Jaw Pain Remedies

Fortunately there is hope -- and help. If you have temporomandibular joint disorder and suffer from TMJ jaw pain, there are a few things you can do. I would suggest going to see a doctor and/or dentist, perhaps a TMJ specialist dentist. Some TMJ home remedies that can help alleviate your TMJ jaw pain the natural way are cost-effective and readily available.

They are:

• A mouth guard
• TMJ jaw exercises designed by a dentist

It is highly advised to do those TMJ exercises regularly so as to remove that persistent TMJ jaw pain problem. Some basic guidelines while working to overcome it are:

• Avoid putting unnecessary strain on your chin or jaw
• Do the TMJ exercises diligently. They can remove the pain and help restore proper jaw function.
• Avoid chewing tobacco and gum. Chewing it is not helpful and can aggravate TMJ jaw pain. Try soft foods in the interim until you're healed.

Mouth Guard for Jaw Pain -- 150%, 6-Month Product Guarantee

Another simple home-made remedy is a good mouthguard. A mouthguard is inexpensive and can help in mitigating jaw pain and with TMJ. As a dentist, I knew I had to be as informed as possible on the abundance of mouth guards on the market. Consequently, I personally researched every mouth guard on this mouth guard review web page.

If you opt for a mouth guard to resolve your teeth grinding issue, I give a 110% Guarantee on one particular product -- the RCM Double arch -- thus certifying it will reduce your jaw popping and clicking and jaw locking.

If you are considering a mouthguard for grinding teeth or for a TMJ issue, I give a 150% guarantee -- yes you read that right -- on my recommended SmartGuard night guard.

My mouthguard was specifically designed by me to relieve the "how to stop teeth grinding in sleep" issue, but it has use for those with a TMJ problem as well.

Therefore, for an honest, non-biased mouth guard review of the most popular mouth guards from me -- a TMJ dentist with over 18 years experience -- please go now to check out my  review page at this site on dental night guard products. (You'll see legitimate testimonials there as well.)

To Read a Free, non-biased review by a dentist on the most popular night or mouthguards on the market today, please click here.

I hope this TMJ jaw pain webpage has been helpful for you.

Yours in health,
David Spainhower, D.D.S.