What is Causing My Jaw Pain?

What is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Find out why your jaws may be causing you so many issues.

If jaw pain is happening to you then chances are good that it’s affecting your daily life, from not being able to eat certain foods or being injaw pain enough pain that it affects your ability to concentrate on work. If this sounds like something you’re currently experiencing then our dentist in Monrovia and serving Damascus, Mount Airy, Urbana, New Market and Monrovia, MD, Dr. Joonho Song, is here to tell you whether TMJ disorder might be to blame.

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and these joints are found on both sides of the jaws. These joints are responsible for all jaw movements including speaking and chewing. If arthritis, an injury or a structural imbalance in the jaw occurs this can affect how the jaw joints function. This often occurs as a result of long-term habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

If you are experiencing these symptoms then you could very likely have a TMJ disorder:

  • Jaw pain and stiffness
  • Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth wide
  • Tenderness around the jaws
  • Pain when chewing
  • Morning headaches (common in those who grind their teeth at night)

While most people will find that their TMJ disorder will go away on its own, we know that it isn’t always easy to manage your symptoms. If you are sick and tired of being in pain then it’s time you turn to our general dentist serving Damascus, Mount Airy, Urbana, New Market and Monrovia for ways to manage your symptoms. This is particularly important if you find that you aren’t able to reduce pain and jaw problems through pain relievers, icing or other conservative options.

While TMJ disorder is the most common cause of jaw pain it isn’t the only thing that could be causing your symptoms. Headaches, sinus infection complications and even an abscess (a dental infection) can cause these symptoms. If you aren’t sure what’s going on we can give you the answers you need for peace of mind.

If you are looking for relief from your jaw pain then it is time you turn to a dentist that can meet your needs. We are proud to provide dental services to the Mt. Airy, Damascus, New Market, Urbana and Monrovia, MD, areas. Call us today to find out how we could improve your TMJ disorder symptoms.