Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occurs when there are problems with the muscles and jaws of the face causing signs and symptoms such as:

• Sore jaw muscles and/or teeth especially on waking in the morning or after chewing – clicking of the jaw joints on opening and/or closing of the mouth
• Referred pain to adjacent teeth causing toothache or gum pain
• In severe TMD, the jaws can “lock” for a period of time

There are some simple measures that patients can take to help alleviate TMD-related pain including:

• Heat therapy with moist towels or warm heat packs placed against the jaw joints and muscles to relax the jaws
• Short term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Avoiding overuse of jaw muscles e.g. chewing too much gum

If a patient exhibits signs of grinding which can contribute to TMD pain, the dentist may recommend occlusal splint therapy to protect the teeth.

It is important to have the jaw joints and muscles assessed to eliminate serious causes of TMD particularly if patients have ongoing problems or jaw locking. Left to its own devices TMD can cause significant disability to the everyday function and quality of life of patients.

– Kim Nguyen

Next week: Halloween Treats