Does a Sore Jaw Mean that I Have TMJ?

It’s not uncommon for people to have a sore jaw. From teeth grinding to chewy foods, there are a lot of ways to feel the pressure. Of course, if the pain is constant or recurring, then it’s likely there’s more to the story than just a one-time muscle ache. Here, we’ll look at what causes a sore jaw and whether it might be TMJ in Derby, KS.

Symptoms of TMJ

Having a sore jaw is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ, a condition that’s caused by damage in your temporomandibular joint. This joint is what allows you to move the jaw fluidly up and down and if the cartilage or the actual joint is damaged, it can inflame the area and cause soreness.

Symptoms often start on one side of the face, though it’s theoretically possible for cartilage to wear away at the same rate and begin on both sides of the face. You may hear a clicking or popping in the mouth every time you chew, or feel stiffness or swelling (usually in the morning).

How to Tell

An orthodontist in Derby, KS can tell you that pain in the jaw can also occur for any number of other reasons, including gum disease, tooth decay, wisdom tooth impaction, or an infected tooth. However, for most people, these issues will result in far more than a sore jaw, such as localized tooth or gum pain, which can give you clues as to what you’re dealing with.

If you’ve had ongoing soreness in the jaw, pain that you can’t trace back to a single event (e.g., a fall), the team at Derby Orthodontics can evaluate you for TMJ so you can solve the mystery (and get some relief).