What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Can your jaw stop functioning properly? Sure, it can, and in fact, many people suffer from a painful jaw problem called TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This sometimes debilitating problem requires expert analysis and treatment from a dentist who knows about properly balanced bites. If you’re suffering with uncomfortable jaw symptoms, seek help from Dr. Brock Rondeau & Associates in London, ON.

older man showing jaw pain

Just what is the temporomandibular joint?

It’s the hinge-like joint that controls the opening and closing of your mouth. Made up of the upper and lower mandibles, muscles, connective tissue and a disc-like cushion, this joint helps you open and close your mouth, chew your food, and speak. It can move up and down, forward and backward and side to side; in short, its movements are more complex than you may have realized.

When something goes wrong with this joint, the effects can be minor or life-changing. Many children, teens, and adults suffer from TMJ in London, but it seems to occur most in younger women between 20 and 40, says the American Dental Association (ADA). Fortunately, its difficult symptoms can be managed, usually with conservative interventions.

Symptoms and causes of TMJ pain in London, ON

Dr. Rondeau and his staff have the training and experience to uncover the cause of your TMJ. Dr. Rondeau completes an oral examination, looking carefully at how your jaw functions, and he will take X-rays and other imaging to understand your bone structure.

Also, he’ll listen carefully to your symptoms. Common symptoms of TMJ in London include:

  • Tinnitus (a buzzing or ringing sound in one or both ears)
  • Headaches
  • Ear, neck, shoulder and facial paiin
  • Jaw stiffness
  • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
  • Problems with swallowing
  • Odd clicking or popping sounds emanating from the jaw or mouth

While the causes of TMJ can be difficult to pinpoint, stress does factors in, as does:

  • Oral trauma
  • Uneven bite
  • Osteoarthritis in the joint
  • Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)
  • Misalignment of the lower jaw (too far forward or displaced to one side)

There’s hope

Founder of the renowned Rondeau Seminars, Dr. Brock Rondeau has extensive education and experience in treating numerous dental issues. Focusing on TMJ, sleep apnea, orthodontics, orthopedics and general dentistry, he brings dysfunctional jaw joints back into harmonious function.

As such, he may recommend the following conservative treatments for your TMJ:

  • Hot packs, ibuprofen, muscle relaxants or cortisone injections
  • Stretching exercises
  • Stress reduction therapy
  • Orthodontics and dental crowns to correct bite
  • Oral appliance therapy to place the lower jaw in a more functional position
  • Bite guards to relieve bruxism

Find out more

Conquer your jaw pain.  Start with a consultation with Dr. Brock Rondeau & Associates in London, ON. Call for an appointment: (519) 455-4110.

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