Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw or experienced pain when chewing or opening your mouth? These could be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and may require a professional TMJ treatment plan. According to Dentalcare.com, after lower back pain, TMJ is the second most common type of musculoskeletal pain. Read on to learn some common causes of mouth and jaw discomfort and when to see a healthcare professional for a TMJ treatment plan.
1. Stress and Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, often while sleeping. Stress, anxiety, and other emotions can trigger this habit. Over time, constantly tensing your jaw muscles strains your TMJ and surrounding tissues. Signs of grinding include worn tooth enamel; sore or tense jaw muscles, temples, neck, and shoulders upon waking; and jaw popping or clicking. If stress may be contributing, try relaxing more before bed. A custom nightguard from your dentist can also help protect your teeth while sleeping.
2. Alignment Issues
Misalignment between your upper and lower teeth can disrupt the smooth function of your TMJ. This is often caused by missing teeth or problematic bite development and puts added pressure on your jaw muscles and joints. See a healthcare professional if mouth soreness is primarily occurring on one side or is worsening. They can assess your alignment, muscle functionality, and joints through X-rays, models, scans, and other methods.
3. Infection
Though less common, bacterial or viral infections can also lead to a sore mouth, face, or jaw. Signs include pain or tenderness of the jaw and muscles, usually concentrated on one side, possibly along with fever, swelling under the jaw, and trouble opening your mouth fully. See your doctor promptly if your discomfort is severe or persists for a thorough exam. You may need antibiotics or antivirals, along with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication to start soothing symptoms.
Occasional minor jaw soreness that resolves on its own is usually not concerning, but recurring discomfort, especially if persistent or worsening, can negatively impact your oral health over time. Don’t ignore signs of teeth grinding or misalignment that can worsen if left untreated. Contact TMJ Care right away if your situation interferes with eating, speaking, or other oral functions, and we can provide a timely TMJ diagnosis. A prompt, customized TMJ treatment plan can then help resolve many sources of mouth and jaw pain for good. Call us now to schedule an appointment.