Can TMJ Disorder Cause Teeth to Hurt?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, can affect almost every facet of your daily life, often causing discomfort and pain in the face, head, and neck. 

TMJ disorder is typically caused by a misalignment in the jaw, which can trigger muscle strain, headaches, and inflammation and cause teeth to hurt by irritating trigger points or damaging teeth. But this pain feels different than a typical toothache, and it can be challenging to tell where it is coming from.

Tooth pain can also be linked to other dental issues, such as tooth decay requiring a root canal. This is why it is vital to see your dentist so they can examine your oral health, determine its cause, and offer solutions tailor-made for your family’s jaw health, like oral appliances.

What is a TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth while talking, chewing, yawning, and more. It is considered one of the most complex joints in the body.

When this joint experiences problems or pain, it is referred to as TMJ disorder (TMD), and about 25–30% of the population experiences these frustrating conditions. These disorders affect the muscles and bones surrounding the jaw joint, causing pain and discomfort.

In some cases, TMD can worsen existing dental issues or cause pain in the teeth, but tooth pain may not be a direct symptom of TMD.

Many people who suffer from TMJ disorder often clench or grind their teeth, causing damage to the teeth and gums. These actions can be exacerbated by muscle tension and strain in the jaw, further aggravating dental issues and leading to tooth pain.

Symptoms and Causes of TMDs

TMJ disorder symptoms can vary; a person may experience many or few of them. Some common indicators of TMDs include:

• Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint
• Neck or face pain
• Jaw tightness
• Headaches
• Limited or no movement of the jaw
• Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, or dizziness (vertigo)
• Upper and lower teeth misalignment

It is perfectly normal for your jaw to occasionally click without feeling any pain. This typically does not require any treatment.

The exact cause of TMJ disorder is unknown, but it could be due to several factors, including:

• Clenching and grinding your teeth, known as bruxism
• Trauma or injury to your face or jaws
• Diseases that affect the jaw joints and muscles, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Misshapen jaw due to genetics
• Worn, loose, or missing teeth
• Gum problems
• Ill-fitting dental appliances
• Habits such as biting on pencils or chewing ice

TMDs can be both the cause and the symptom of other health problems, and sometimes, by treating those conditions, your TMJ pain may fade, too. There is not typically a one-size-fits-all solution, so consulting with a doctor is one of the best ways to determine where the pain originates.

Treating TMJ Disorders

It is possible for a TMD to go away on its own as the jaw heals. If your dentist tells you this could be the case, you should focus on relieving pain and treating symptoms. Here are some suggestions:

• Use a cold or warm compress to ease tense jaw muscles
• Avoid hard or harsh foods
• Massage or exercise your jaw carefully
• Take steps to lower your stress and relax

Mouthguards for Bruxism

One of the main factors behind TMDs is believed to be teeth grinding or clenching, called bruxism. It can result from stress or anxiety, which causes you to tense your jaw. This can even happen while you are asleep without you being consciously aware you are doing it. But if you wake up with aching teeth or jaws, it could be a sign that you are experiencing sleep bruxism.

Nightguards are a popular option for treating bruxism, which helps by reducing the stress placed on the jaw joint and muscles. They act as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, preventing the teeth from grinding or clenching, which puts undue stress on the joint.

The body could better relax with less pressure on the muscles and joints. This could significantly reduce pain and discomfort while helping you sleep better.

Nightguards for TMJ disorders are custom-fitted by a dentist. They can take an impression of your teeth and create a high-quality mouthguard that fits your unique jawline and teeth shape. You should wear your mouthguard as directed, usually at night while sleeping or during the day if you experience pain. Be sure to keep your mouthguard clean, so it remains in good condition.

Taking the Stress Out Of Dental Care

While TMJ disorder may not directly cause tooth pain, it can worsen dental issues that may lead to discomfort and pain. South Ancaster Family Dental can diagnose and help you manage TMJ disorders and any associated tooth pain caused by tooth grinding.Book your appointment today, and let us put you on the road to relief.