What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Your jaw is an important part of what makes up your facial structure. It defines the shape of your face and allows you to chew and bite into your food. When there is intense pain in the jaw, ignoring it is not always an option. Jaw pain interferes with your ability to eat, talk, and sleep comfortably. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, find out what your dentists Dr. Ricky Rubin, Dr. Brett Dunnill, and Dr. Omar Hasham at Williamsburg Family Dentistry in Williamsburg, VA, can do to give you some relief.

Jaw Pain Symptoms
Jaw pain may start off as mild, but soon it can become difficult to even open your mouth. If you feel hesitant to chew your food thoroughly, you should be concerned. Jaw pain may be accompanied by clicking and popping sounds when you open and close your mouth. In some cases, there may be swelling around the point where the jaw hinges come together.

TMJ Disorder 
One of the most common causes of jaw pain is a condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. It affects between five to 12 percent of the population according to statistics published by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. It is an irritation of the joints that connect the upper and lower jaws. It is often caused by an injury, such as whiplash. Grinding and clenching the teeth (bruxism) also affects the stability of the jaw. TMJ disorder may also be caused by opening the mouth too wide to yell or take a bite out of something. Any joint problem is also common in patients who struggle with arthritis. TMJ problems can be resolved by a dentist at Williamsburg Family Dentistry in Williamsburg, VA.

Relieving Jaw Pain
The method of healing your jaw pain will depend on the severity of the problem and the cause. In many cases, patients get some relief by simply wearing a dental device that supports and balances the jawline at night. It prevents jaw clenching. It also gives the joints a chance to heal and restore themselves. An orthodontic treatment to adjust the bite might also help.

Simple Dental Solutions for Jaw Pain
You may have been putting up with TMJ jaw pain all this time for no good reason. A dental device could be the best solution. Call 757-345-5500 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ricky Rubin, Dr. Brett Dunnill, or Dr. Omar Hasham at their office in Williamsburg, VA.