Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can be extremely uncomfortable. Because of the location, TMJ pain is often confused for dental pain. The following will discuss some of the key differences between a toothache and TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder, as the name suggests, impacts the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects either side of the jawbone to the skull. In addition, it opens and closes the mouth. While the cause of the disorder can vary, it results in the joint being inflamed and irritated. TMJ can be triggered by grinding of the teeth, arthritis, and other various issues.
The symptoms of TMJ can vary drastically. In some cases they are mild, but can also be quite severe and debilitating. Common symptoms can include jaw pain, pain when chewing, and pain near the ears. Severe cases of TMJ can result in the lock locking, making it challenging to open and close the mouth.
TMJ and Tooth Pain
The temporomandibular joint is close to nerves, muscles, and ligaments. The pain can radiate to other parts of the neck, face, and head. This is called referred pain. The pain may radiate upward, causing pain in the head, ears, and eyes. In other cases, the pain can radiate downward, resulting in pain close to the teeth.
The pain from TMJ can drastically vary. It may be dull, sharp, sporadic, constant, or a combination of these things. Toothaches can result in similar pain, making patients think their pain due to a toothache rather than TMJ disorder. TMJ can also irritate trigger points which causes pain in the teeth. Trigger points form from muscles contracting and stiffening. Less oxygenated blood can then reach the area and trap in toxins, resulting in tenderness.
Patients often confuse pain from TMJ for a toothache. Patients who have had numerous dental procedures can experience bite issues. A bite which is not properly aligned places added pressure and stress on the jaw. This can ultimately cause irritation and inflammation of the joint. Over time, TMJ pain can occur from untreated bite issues.
Patients with a severe toothache in their upper molars can experience pain which transfers to the jaw joint or other areas. This pain can feel similar to TMJ pain. After treating the toothache, it should alleviate the TMJ pain. Toothache pain can also make patients clench their jaw or grind their teeth. The added pressure creates soreness in the TMJ.
There are many similarities between TMJ pain and a toothache, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. Patients should follow up with their dentist to determine the cause of the pain. In some cases, a toothache may be from a cavity, chip, or crack.
Cavities make the teeth more sensitive to heat, cold, or sugar. TMJ pain can often be alleviated through massaging the joint and giving it rest. Patients should be aware that TMJ pain can spread to other areas of the face, impacting the teeth in some cases. It can be quite difficult to identify the specific cause of the pain.
Patients with pain in their teeth or jaw should make an appointment with their dentist for an examination. The dentist can identify the cause and create a treatment plan. If the pain is due to teeth grinding or clenching, an appointment can help avoid a fracture and even extraction.