{"id":181,"date":"2025-03-02T20:30:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T20:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=181"},"modified":"2025-04-29T20:34:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T20:34:42","slug":"a-closer-look-at-the-link-between-tmj-disorder-and-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=181","title":{"rendered":"A Closer Look at the Link Between TMJ Disorder and Arthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you been dealing with jaw pain recently, but haven\u2019t the slightest clue as to what the cause might be? You\u2019re far from alone \u2013 estimates indicated that anywhere from 5% to 12% of the general population experiences some form of TMJ disorder<\/a>, or TMD. But did you know that sometimes, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does Arthritis Cause Jaw Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The connection between arthritis and jaw pain might not be immediately obvious \u2013 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 \u2013 because there are actually two important jaws located in your face!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t just pain you\u2019ll be faced with \u2013 your entire oral functionality can be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Is Jaw Pain Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, there are a few different ways of addressing jaw pain that\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n