Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related?
Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can experience a great deal of pain and discomfort. In many cases, TMJ pain is confused for dental pain because of the location of the joint. This article will outline key differences between TMJ disorder and a toothache.
As suggested by the name, TMJ disorder impacts the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint connects both sides of the jawbone to the skull. It is also responsible for opening and closing the mouth. The cause of the disorder may vary, but causes inflammation and irritation of the joint. Bruxism or grinding of the teeth, arthritis, and other issues can all trigger TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ can vary from mild to severe. Severe symptoms can be debilitating. Common symptoms include jaw pain, chewing discomfort, and pain around the ears. In severe TMJ, it can cause the jaw to lock, which makes it difficult for patients to open and close the mouth.
TMJ and Tooth Pain
Because the temporomandibular joint is close to nerves, muscles, and ligaments, pain can radiate to the neck, face, and head. This type of pain is called referred pain. Pain can radiate upward, resulting the pain in the head, ears, and eyes. The pain can move downward and cause pain near the teeth.
TMJ pain can really vary. It may be minor, sharp, continuous, sporadic, or any variation of these things. Toothaches can cause similar pain, creating confusion if the pain is from a toothache or TMJ. It is possible for TMJ to irritate trigger points, causing pain in the teeth. A trigger point forms due to the contracting and stiffening of the muscles. Less oxygenated blood then reaches the area, holding more toxins and resulting in tenderness.
It is common for patients confuse TMJ pain with a toothache. When a patient has had numerous dental procedures, it can cause issues with their bite. A misaligned bite places added pressure and stress on the jaw. This can result in join irritation and inflammation. When bite issues remain untreated over time, it can result in TMJ.
Patients who have a severe toothache in an upper molar may have pain that moves into the jaw joint or other areas of the face. This type of pain can be difficult to differentiate from TMJ. Once a toothache is treated, the pain should disappear. When a patient has a toothache, they may clench their jaw or grind their teeth. This pressure can create soreness in the TMJ.
Because there are so many similarities between TMJ pain and a toothache, it can be difficult to determine the difference between the two without the help of a trained professional. Patients with jaw pain should follow up with their dentist to determine the underlying cause. Toothaches can be caused by a cavity, chip, or crack.
When a patient has a cavity their teeth may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures and sugar. TMJ pain may improve from giving it rest and massaging the joint. It is possible for TMJ pain to spread to other areas of the face and can even impact the teeth. Without a dentist, it can be extremely difficult to identify the cause of the pain.
Patients with teeth or jaw pain should follow up with their dentist right away. The dentist will perform an evaluation to identify the cause and determine the best plan for treatment.