Sore Jaw or TMJ

We use our jaws for many things: Talking, chewing, laughing, yawning, and so forth. In fact, the average person uses his or her jaw so many times throughout the day, that they may begin to take it for granted - that is, until something goes wrong. Since the jaw is responsible for allowing the mouth to open and close, it goes without saying that any disease or disorder that affects a person’s ability to use his or her jaw with ease is worthy of immediate attention. If you’re suffering from a sore jaw, you are probably concerned, and may be wondering if a more serious cause than mere muscle fatigue is to blame. Frequently, jaw soreness is associated with TMJ disorder. This is a disease that afflicts the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the bottom of the skull. While chronic jaw pain can be a definite red flag indicating a TMJ problem, there are many other symptoms that are likely to accompany the disorder. If you’re unsure as to whether you have TMJ or simply a sore jaw, take a look at the following list of common TMJ disorder symptoms. If you suffer from several of these symptoms in addition to your jaw pain, you may be a candidate for treatment from an experienced TMJ specialist.

• Ear pain, ringing in the ears, a feeling of pressure in the ears, or loss of hearing.
• Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw when you open or close your mouth. This is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder, as it indicates that the temporomandibular joint is popping or sliding into and out of place.
• Swelling in the area, particularly on one side of the face.
• Limited range of mobility with the jaw.
• Lockjaw. If your jaw becomes “locked” in either the open or closed position, it is a definite TMJ red flag. This symptom can be extremely serious and may require a trip to the emergency room, so if you’re experiencing lockjaw, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
• Headache, dizziness or nausea that accompanies the jaw pain.
• Eye pain, blurred vision, or watery eyes.
• Tooth pain, particularly on one side of the jaw.
• A bite that is misaligned or deviates to one side.
• Difficulty swallowing due to muscle spasms.
• Discomfort while eating chewy, hard or sticky foods.

It may be tempting to try to write off your sore jaw as a mere annoyance, but if you recognize yourself in these symptoms, it may be time to get in touch with a reliable TMJ dentist who can help diagnose and treat your TMJ disorder. Dr. Eddie Siman of Millennium Dental in Sherman Oaks, CA. is one such dentist. With his years of success in treating TMJ through safe, effective non-surgical means, Dr. Siman can guide you toward the treatment plan that will work best for you. Don’t let your sore jaw ruin your life; contact Millennium Dental today to make an appointment with Dr. Eddie Siman.