TMJ disorders affect the hinge-like joints that connect the jaw to the skull. Causes include: Previous injury or accident, clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism), or arthritic changes to the jaw joints. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include: difficulty opening or closing the jaw, aching in the jaws or face, pain or tenderness in one or both jaw joints, a clicking or popping when opening and cleaning the jaw, headaches, sore teeth and worn, chipped, or cracked teeth.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause or aggravate TMJ symptoms. This can happen unconsciously during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). This tension and pressure on your teeth and jaws can damage your teeth and stress jaw muscles. If you do feel pain or find you can’t fully use your jaw, your doctor or dentist might recommend other treatments, which most commonly include physical therapy or a bite guard.
BOTOX Cosmetic is not just for good looks. More and more dentists are finding BOTOX useful in the treatment of headaches caused by facial tension and TMJ – temporomandibular joint disorder, or jaw pain. Strategically injecting BOTOX into certain facial muscles and your jaw muscles can help to reduce symptoms temporarily.
If you have jaw pain, we can help determine the causes or contributing factors, teach you some exercises and recommend an appliance or treatment option to keep your jaw joints strong and healthy!