We use our jaws to eat, drink, and talk. If our jaw hurts, it can affect seemingly every aspect of our lives. Aside from being a pain in the…jaw, temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly called TMJ disorders or TMD, can cause headaches and neck pain. Today, our Katy dentist Dr. Deborah Gennero shares some facts about TMJ disorders, along with some tips on how to help keep from developing them.
More than Jaw Pain
Patients with TMJ disorders often complain of facial pain or tenderness, pain in the neck and shoulders, and/or pain in the ears when chewing or talking. TMJ disorders can also cause clicking or popping in the jaw or the feeling that the jaw is locked either open or closed. Patients can experience difficulty chewing, as well as facial swelling. Other symptoms typically described by people suffering from TMJ disorders are:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- ToothachesTMJ Disorders in Greater Houston
- Earaches
- Hearing problems
Causes of TMJ Disorders
The cause of TMJ disorders isn’t always clear, but dentists believe they are commonly caused by problems with the jaw muscles or the joint itself. Trauma to the jaw, jaw joint, head, or neck can cause TMJ disorders. The following factors can also cause them:
- Bruxism—grinding or clenching the teeth can stress the TMJ
- Stress—stress can cause us to tighten our facial muscles and grind our teeth
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
- Malocclusion, or misaligned bite
How to Prevent TMJ Disorders
Since the cause of TMJ isn’t always apparent, it’s impossible to fully prevent TMJ disorders, but there are a few steps you can take to keep from experiencing pain in your jaw joint.
- Avoid chewing gum, toothpicks, ice, pens, or paper clips. Also, don’t eat hard or chewy foods that can overwork your jaw.
- If you are a bruxer, or nighttime teeth grinder, consider seeing your dentist to address that problem. Your dentist might be able to fit you with a mouthguard or bite splint to deter you from grinding your teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing jaw pain, considering contacting Dr. Gennero for a consultation. She offers bite splints and mouthguards, in addition to many other dental services. To schedule an appointment, call our Katy dental office at (281) 578-6200. We serve Katy, West Houston, Sugarland, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, and the greater Houston area.
