At Center for Dental Anesthesia in Alexandria we treat several causes of pain in the oral area. In this blog post we will discuss jaw pain.
The jaw is a sliding hinge joint, and its formal name is a real mouthful: the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short. TMJ disorder (TMJ/TMD) is more common than you might guess. Millions of people cope with the pain of an aching jaw.
Causes and Symptoms
Identifying the cause of TMJ disorder can be tricky. Jaw pain may be due to genetics, arthritis, or trauma. It may be a combination of these. It could also be the result of clenching or grinding the teeth.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when chewing
- Inability to fully open the mouth
- Headaches and/or neckaches
- A clicking or popping sound in the jaw
In many cases, the pain from TMJ disorders vanishes as mysteriously as it appeared. When it doesn’t go away on its own, treatment begins with conservative measures like over-the-counter pain relievers. Relaxation techniques have also helped many patients.
No one knows why, but women are far more likely to have TMJ disorder than men. It could be something as simple as differences in the bone and muscle structure between genders.
At The Center for Dental Anesthesia in Alexandria we offer TMJ/TMD treatment. Patients from all over northern Virgina, Fairfax, and Prince William County have come to us for treatment. We also provide complete family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Contact Center for Dental Anesthesia:
703-379-6400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
5284 Dawes Ave
Alexandria, Virginia
22311
