The temporomandibular joint is a small joint. But despite its size, it can cause severe facial pain.

When you feel excruciating pain in your face, it can be difficult to pinpoint where it’s coming from. But often, it’s related to your temporomandibular joint or TMJ.

What is the temporomandibular joint or TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ operates like a hinge. It’s located on both sides of the face and it allows you to move your mouth, speak, and eat.

Most people can use their jaws without any issues. But if you feel discomfort or pain each time you move your jaw, it can be due to temporomandibular disorders or TMD.

The TMJ is a complex system. Its structure makes it vulnerable to dislocations. When one of its parts is weakened, damaged, or dislocated, it can affect the entire system.

You might find it hard to open and close your mouth and these simple activities can already be very painful. TMD is usually not serious. But when not treated, the damage can be permanent.

Common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

You may be wondering why temporomandibular joint disorders can cause facial pain.

The face is composed of a network of nerves and the jaw joint is at its center. So, when your TMJ isn’t in good condition, the pain can radiate to your forehead, eyes, cheeks, ears, throat, and mouth. You may even feel discomfort around your neck and upper back.

Minor TMD can subside without treatments. But if the pain keeps coming back or is only getting worse by day, consider seeing your dentist in SE Calgary immediately. A proper diagnosis is crucial to manage and keep the facial pain from coming back.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Ringing in the ears
• Recurring pain in your face
• Tenderness around your ears
• Discomfort or pain when speaking or eating
• Jaw popping or locking
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Reduced range of jaw movements

Your dentist can work with your physicians to diagnose and customize a treatment plan for your TMD. The earlier you seek evaluation, the earlier you can also rule out other potential causes.

Your healthcare providers can also offer advice so you can avoid or minimize triggers for your facial pain.

Relieving facial pain

Facial pain usually originates from another body part. In the case of TMD, the ‘referrer’ is the jaw joint.

While it’s easy to take note of symptoms, identifying the exact causes can be difficult. There are several possible risk factors for TMD. It can be due to a dislocated or damaged disc in your jaw joint. It can also be due to poor posture, ill-fitting devices, stress, or anxiety.

To diagnose TMD, your dentist performs a physical examination and also talks to you about your symptoms. They may also take x-rays for more detailed information on your facial structures.

While you’re yet to see your dentist or are waiting for results, here are some tips that may help relieve your facial pain:

• Improving posture, especially when working long hours in front of the computer
• Eating soft food or food that doesn’t require heavy chewing
• Avoiding unnecessary jaw movements, such as biting down on objects or using your mouth to open packages
• Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications
• Seeking relaxation techniques
• Managing stress or anxiety

Learn more about TMD and facial pain, see your dentist in SE Calgary

To learn more about facial pain and temporomandibular disorders, see your dentist for a consultation.

If you’re looking for a new dentist in SE Calgary that provides TMD treatments, get in touch with us at (403) 257-1180.

Here at Mckenzie Towne Family Dental, we can help diagnose the cause of your facial pain and find long-term solutions for it. Let’s get rid of the pain, restore your mobility, and boost your oral health and general health.

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