Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related?
When patients experience pain as a result of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), it can be quite severe and even debilitating. Due to its location, pain from TMJ can be easily mistaken for dental pain. The below article will outline some of the key differences between TMJ disorder and toothaches.
As suggested by the name, TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint. The joint attaches the sides of the jawbone to the skull. It is also responsible for closing and opening the mouth. TMJ disorder occurs when the joint is irritated and inflamed. The cause of the disorder varies. It can be triggered by arthritis, teeth grinding, or other issues.
TMJ symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms are jaw pain, discomfort while eating, and an aching pain around the ears. In severe cases, TMJ can cause the jaw to lock and make it quite difficult to open the mouth.
Tooth Pain and TMJ
The temporomandibular joint is near numerous muscles, nerves, and ligaments. Because of this, it can cause pain in the neck, face, and head. Sometimes
Pain associated with TMJ can vary quite it bit. The pain may be dull, searing, sharp, sporadic, constant, or anything in between. A toothaches can cause a similar type of pain. This can give patients the impression that their pain is from a toothache and not TMJ disorder. TMJ can also cause irritation in certain trigger points and result in tooth pain. A trigger point forms because of the muscle stiffening and contracting. Less oxygenated blood reaches the area, which traps in toxins and can result in tenderness.
It is easy for patients to mistaken TMJ pain for a toothache, but the connection runs deeper. When a patient has had multiple dental procedures, it can impact their bite. Misaligned bites place additional strain and pressure on the jaw, resulting in joint irritation and inflammation. Long-term TMJ pain can occur when bite issues are left untreated over long periods of time.
When patients have a severe toothache in their upper molar, the pain can transfer to the jaw joint and other areas of their face. This can feel similar to the pain associated with TMJ. Once the toothache is treated, the TMJ pain should be alleviated. Pain from a toothache can cause the patient to clench their jaw or grind their teeth. This pressure can cause soreness in the TMJ.
Toothaches and TMJ Pain
Because of their similarities, it can be challenging to determine the difference between a toothache and TMJ pain. Schedule an appointment with the dentist to determine if the pain may be caused by a cavity, chip, or crack. An abscess or tooth infection may include pus, a bitter taste in the mouth, or a foul odor.
With a cavity, the teeth often become sensitive to heat, cold, or contact with sugar. In cases of TMJ pain, the discomfort can often be relieved with rest and massaging the joint. TMJ pain can spread to other areas of the face and even impact the teeth. This makes it quite challenging to identify the specific cause.
If you are experiencing tooth or jaw pain, it is important to follow up with your dentist. They can complete an examination to determine the specific cause of the discomfort and develop a plan for treating the issue.