Have you been dealing with jaw pain recently, but haven’t the slightest clue as to what the cause might be? You’re far from alone – estimates indicated that anywhere from 5% to 12% of the general population experiences some form of TMJ disorder, or TMD. But did you know that sometimes, it’s linked to arthritis? Continue reading to learn more about the curious connection between jaw pain and arthritis, along with how your pain can be managed and your quality of life can be improved.
How Does Arthritis Cause Jaw Pain?
The connection between arthritis and jaw pain might not be immediately obvious – after all, we often associate arthritis with pain and stiffness felt in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, or other joints. However, pain felt on the sides of your face can also be related to arthritis – because there are actually two important jaws located in your face!
Your temporomandibular joints, often called the TMJ, are located at the top of your jaw where it meets your skull, near your ears. They have the important responsibility of granting your mouth its full range of motion, letting you eat, speak, and smile with ease. However, this also means that if a problem arises, it isn’t just pain you’ll be faced with – your entire oral functionality can be affected.
Like any other joint in your body, your jaw joints are at risk for osteoarthritis, as well as other types, including rheumatoid arthritis. Some people are more at risk of jaw arthritis than others; trauma caused by bruxism, as well as decreased lubrication in the jaw joints, are two notable risk factors. Frequency of use also makes the jaw susceptible to different kinds of arthritis. Stress and chronic pain in the body, such as what might occur due to arthritis elsewhere, can also cause jaw clenching and lead to a vicious cycle.
How Is Jaw Pain Treated?
Luckily, there are a few different ways of addressing jaw pain that’s linked to arthritis. In very severe cases, jaw surgery may be suggested as a last resort, but many patients see impressive improvement through non-invasive measures. This includes things like:
- Physical therapy, which involves gentle exercises that help to loosen your jaw and strengthen the muscles surrounding your TMJ. This can be combined with medications that reduce pain and inflammation.
- A custom-made mouthguard fitted by a dentist can help prevent teeth grinding or clenching from occurring at nighttime, which could be the source of pain. This also helps to protect the enamel from additional wear and tear.
- Relaxation techniques can also be used to help manage chronic pain and reduce stress and tension in the joints.
If you’ve been dealing with chronic jaw pain and you believe it’s the result of arthritis, you shouldn’t delay in seeking treatment – these issues rarely go away on their own, and if arthritis is in the picture, other parts of your body aside from your smile could be in jeopardy!
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry Pain & Sleep Solutions has proudly served the needs of patients in Silver Spring and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services, including numerous types of TMJ treatment. If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, Dr. Sara Saba, Dr. Cyrus Allafi, Dr. Sheetal Solanki, and the whole team are ready to step in and help! If you have any questions about the article, or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today to learn more. Telephone: (301) 769-7993.