Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related
Because it can be severely painful, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can easily put a person out of commission. But due to its location and responsibilities, TMJ discomfort can also resemble dental pain. Patients with jaw pain that are not certain if it is due to a toothache or TMJ disorder, should continue reading to learn more.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Overview
TMJ disorder impacts the temporomandibular joint, which connects the skull and jawbone on both sides of the face. The responsibility of the TMJ is opening and closing the mouth. TMJ disorder is indicated when the joint becomes irritated and inflamed with causes varying from patient to patient. Although one person could have TMJ pain due to arthritis, another could have discomfort from repetitive clenching and grinding of the teeth (known as bruxism).
Symptoms of TMJ disorder range from mild to severe and can include discomfort in the jaw, around the ears, and discomfort or difficulty with chewing. In more severe instances, the jaw can become locked making it difficult to close or open the mouth.
Why is Tooth Pain Caused by TMJ Pain?
Because the joint is located near many ligaments, nerves, and muscles, TMJ pain may radiate to other areas of the neck, face, and head. This is called referred pain, and in certain instances, the pain is so severe that patients may not believe the pain originated from the TMJ. For some patients, the pain can radiate up causing pain in the ears, eyes, and head while other patients, may experience pain that radiates down causing pain near the teeth.
TMJ pain can be sharp, dull, searing, constant, or sporadic. Because toothaches can create similar discomfort, some patients may mistake the cause as toothaches rather than TMJ disorder. Tooth pain can also be caused by the TMJ irritating trigger points. When muscles become stiff and contracted, the trigger points form. Blood that is less oxygenated reaches the area, more toxins remain, and tenderness results.
Can TMJ Discomfort be Caused by Tooth Pain?
TMJ pain may make a patient believe they have a toothache when in reality, the connection is deeper. Should a patient undergo multiple dental procedures, like crowns, the bite can be affected. This change can lead to extra strain on the TMJ. Differing from referred pain, the TMJ becomes irritated and inflamed due to the change in the position of the patient’s mouth. If not treated, this can lead to long-term TMJ pain.
If a severe toothache stems from an upper molar, pain may be referred to other parts of the face, including the jaw, which the patient may mistake as TMJ pain. However, in these instances, treating the toothache typically resolves the jaw pain. However, the pain could cause the patient to clench or grind their teeth, which can also cause the TMJ to be sore for a while as well.
If toothache and TMJ pain are so intertwined, how can patients tell which is which? Begin by looking at the teeth for any cracks, chips, or cavities that could be the culprit of pain. Also look for any pus oozing out of a tooth, foul breath, or bad taste in the mouth which could signal an infection.