January 28, 2016

Patients suffering from jaw pain in Aurora, CO, might not know where to turn for relief. Which doctor is best suited to addressing this particular complaint? Dr. Mark Braasch and the rest of the care team at Meadow Hills Dentistry want you to know about a few important facts about jaw pain. Pain in the jaw, chin, face, scalp, and neck might indicate several different conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorder – also called TMD.

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to the bones of your cheek and skull. A disorder in this joint might manifest in pain at or near the jaw itself but many patients experience signs with a less obvious connection.

Facial Pain

Dysfunction in this joint can cause can pain in a few different places, some of them not necessarily near the jaw or mouth. Some people with TMD experience facial pain in addition to the other symptoms of this condition.

Difficulty Biting and Chewing

Comfortable, easy chewing is important because it prepares food for digestion and breaks down bites into optimal size for swallowing. When chewing is difficult or uncomfortable teeth may gradually acquire uneven enamel as a result of favoring one side of the mouth.

Strange Clicking or Popping Sounds

A clicking or popping sound, especially when opening or closing the jaw, is one of the first signs of temporomandibular joint disorder. This sign is also likely to be very mystifying to patients. At this stage they may not be experiencing pronounced pain.

There are other symptoms of TMD that you should know about. This disorder can also be indicated by:

  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Vision problems
  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Aching scalp pain

Take Control of Jaw Health

If you have questions about jaw health, including pain, please call Meadow Hills Dentistry at 720.325.2460. You can also contact us online to request an appointment with Dr. Braasch.

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