Is Your Jaw Trying to Tell You Something?
A little jaw soreness after a long day may not seem like a big deal. Neither does an occasional headache or a clicking sound when you open your mouth. It’s easy to brush these things off, especially when they come and go. But sometimes your jaw is trying to get your attention.
The temporomandibular joints, usually called the TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull and make everyday activities like talking and chewing possible. When something interferes with how these joints function, symptoms can show up in ways you may not immediately associate with your dental health. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, a TMJ exam can help us take a closer look at what is happening and determine whether your jaw may need a little extra attention.
TMJ Symptoms Are Not Always Obvious
Jaw pain and tenderness are two of the more recognizable signs of a TMJ disorder, but they are certainly not the only ones. Some people notice clicking, popping, or a grating sensation when they open and close their mouths. Others have discomfort while chewing or feel as though their jaw occasionally locks. Aching around the ear and headaches centered around or above the ears can also occur.
What makes these symptoms particularly easy to overlook is that they may come and go at first. You may have a few uncomfortable days followed by a stretch when everything seems fine again. That does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but recurring symptoms are worth mentioning at your dental appointment.
Are You Clenching Without Realizing It?
Sometimes the stress your jaw is experiencing comes from something you may not even know you are doing. Chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, can contribute to TMJ problems. Some people clench their jaws when they are concentrating or feeling stressed. Others grind their teeth while sleeping and have no idea it is happening until signs begin to appear.
Over time, all that extra pressure can affect more than the jaw joints. Grinding and clenching can also contribute to dental damage, which is one reason it is helpful to identify the habit rather than simply getting used to the discomfort.
What Happens During a TMJ Exam?
A TMJ evaluation gives us an opportunity to look beyond the symptom and learn more about what may be causing it. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, we begin by reviewing your symptoms and dental history. Then, we examine your teeth and bite alignment and evaluate how your jaw moves, paying attention to signs such as clicking, popping, stiffness, and tenderness. X-rays may also be used to help determine the type and severity of a TMJ disorder. That information matters because jaw discomfort can have different causes. The right approach depends on what is actually happening in your individual situation.
Relief Does Not Always Mean Extensive Treatment
If a TMJ disorder is identified, treatment does not automatically mean something complicated. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, conservative options may be considered. TMJ treatments include lifestyle changes, jaw exercises, medications, custom dental night guards, biofeedback, and orthodontic treatment. For someone who clenches or grinds, for example, a custom nightguard may be recommended to protect against damage associated with bruxism. In other situations, changing habits that place extra strain on the jaw may be part of the conversation. There is no single solution that is right for everyone, which is exactly why the evaluation comes first.
When Should You Have Your Jaw Evaluated?
You do not have to wait until jaw discomfort becomes a constant part of your day. If you regularly experience jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty or discomfort when chewing, locking, clicking, or grating sounds, aching near your ears, or recurring headaches around the ear area, tell us what you have been noticing. Symptoms that seem minor can still provide useful information about the way your jaw is functioning. And if you are not sure whether what you are experiencing is related to your TMJ, that is okay too. You do not have to figure it out on your own.
At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, we want dental care to feel comfortable, personal, and a lot like coming home. If your jaw has been sending you signals you cannot quite explain, schedule an appointment with our office located in Tampa, FL. We will listen to what you have been experiencing, take a closer look, and help you understand what may be going on.
