Your Aching Jaw

By Dr. Anna Chukhman

More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.  My advice is not "grin and bear it," but "go and see your dentist!"

Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ's. The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and translocation (gliding) action, used when chewing and speaking. Each TM joint has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and perform rotating and translocational movements. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate X-rays. Often, it's a sinus infection, toothache or an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed. The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the from of the ear.

If you grind or clench your jaws during sleep, you may have what's called bruxism. An abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth and stress are often the underlying factors for bruxism, which presents itself as a dull headache or sore jaw, and in extreme cases can cause you to grind your teeth so much that they become loose or fractured. Your dentist can fit you with a mouthpiece to wear while sleeping to prevent this.

Treatments for TMJ pain may include stress-reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. They've been successful for many sufferers and your dentist can recommend which is best for you. Depending on your case, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.