Help! My Jaw Constantly Hurts!

Help! My Jaw Constantly Hurts! Jaw pain may consist of constant throbbing pain in your jaw and cheeks; pain from your jaw can even reach down to your temples, neck, and down to your shoulders. Constant jaw pain can also be accompanied with frequent headaches. If you experience any of this kind of chronic pain, it could be a sign that you may have a condition known as TMJ disorder. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge joint that connects the upper and lower parts of your jaw and allows it to move. The movement of the TMJ is one of the most complex in your entire body because it can move forward, backward, up, down, and side to side. 

What Could Be The Cause?

Malocclusion, which is the misalignment of teeth, can lead to excessive strain on your jaw that can lead to TMJ disorder. Grinding your teeth, known as bruxism, can also lead to wear on your jaw joint. The excessive wear and tear on the jaw can lead to TMJ disorder. A large nerve affected by TMJ disorder is called the trigenimal nerve. Pressure on the trigenimal nerve can lead to chronic and constant pain that you may be experiencing. In addition to pain, TMJ disorder may create popping of the jaw, lockjaw, and trouble opening and closing your mouth. Lockjaw is when your jaw gets locked into one place. It can be quite painful.

TMJ Therapy

Oral splint therapy can be an effective way to treat TMJ disorder and ease your pain. Through oral splint therapy, your orthodontist can gently re-position your jaw, which can better support the temporomandibular joint. Restoring the jaw joint to its ideal position can make biting and chewing more comfortable. Splint therapy can also help reduce the risks of grinding your teeth, which can prevent excessive wear on your teeth and gums.

Are you experiencing constant jaw pain?
