Do you sometimes wake up with a painful jaw? Does your jaw feel stiff when you yawn or open your mouth? Do you suffer from headaches or pain in your neck or shoulders? If your jaw feels painful, don’t suffer in silence. If you’ve got a sore jaw, we can help you, right here in the heart of Liverpool.
What causes jaw pain?
Jaw pain is often associated with trauma or accidents, but it can also be a symptom of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. When you open and close your mouth, if you hold your fingertips at the side of your face under your ear, you’ll feel the joint moving. TMJ disorder is the name given to a group of symptoms that affect this joint. Examples include:
- Clicking and popping noises when you move your mouth
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Jaw pain
- Restricted range of movement in the jaw joint
- Headaches
- Shoulder and neck pain
TMJ disorder can sometimes be a result of bruxism. Bruxism is the medical name for grinding your teeth. When you grind the teeth together, this can cause tension in the muscles around the jaw. Many people grind their teeth without realising, and if you’re waking up with symptoms like those listed above, this may be the cause. Bruxism is sometimes linked to stress and anxiety, but it may also be caused by loose restorations, such as fillings, and orthodontic issues.
What can be done for TMJ disorder?
The treatment path will depend on the underlying cause. If there are problems with the bite that are contributing to bruxism, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Our dentists can also fix loose fillings or crowns. If there are other causes, we may recommend using a bite guard. A bite guard is a bespoke device, which can be worn during the night. The aim is to prevent the top and bottom arches of teeth from clashing together while you sleep.
