A sudden onset of pain in the jaw, a clicking or popping sound when you chew or speak, or a feeling like your jaw is locked are all telltale signs of a TMJ flare-up. In some cases, the pain will resolve with minor lifestyle modifications or minimal, non-invasive treatment. However, you’ll need to learn what is causing the flare-up for an appropriate treatment plan. Irrespective of the cause, nearly all TMJ flare-ups can be treated within a couple of weeks. Here’s what to know about TMJ flare-ups.
What Causes a TMJ Flare-Up?
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint can be caused by:
- Trauma or injury to the jaw resulting in a dislocation in the joint
- Chronic or stress-induced bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Congenital deformity of the jaw
- Malocclusion (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
- Arthritis (deterioration in the joint)
If any of these conditions are present, symptoms of TMJ disorders can flare at any time. However, certain behaviors, habits, or life events may increase the likelihood of a flare.
For example, there is a link between teeth grinding and stress. A new job, the loss of a loved one, a global pandemic, or any other significant life event can prompt those who do not normally grind their teeth to begin doing so.
If your TMJ is caused by teeth grinding, a custom oral appliance from your orthodontist is often all that is needed to alleviate pain from grinding and clenching.
Other TMJ flare-ups are caused due to trauma to the jaw joint. A fall, vehicular accident, sports injury, or assault to the face can damage the jaw joint, resulting in TMJ disorder. If the cause of your TMJ disorder is an injury, orthodontic treatment to realign the jaw may be necessary. If the joint sustained severe damage, your orthodontist may partner with an oral surgeon for surgical orthodontic treatment.
Problems with your bite, resulting in pain in the jaw joint that may extend down to the shoulders, up the face, or into the ear are typically resolved with orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign.
Arthritis-induced TMJ flare-ups are generally treated with conservative methods, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Severe arthritis in the joint may warrant steroid injections along with a numbing agent (lidocaine) to calm the inflammation and reduce irritation.
Calming a TMJ Flare-Up at Home: Steps to Take
Many people will be able to calm a TMJ flare with conservative treatments at home. If you’re experiencing aching pain in your jaw, you may wish to try some of these at-home treatments:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- Icing the jaw
- Warm compress on the jaw, or back of the neck
- Meditation, breathing, or calming exercises and activities before you go to bed
- A temporary switch to a soft food diet
If the pain doesn’t subside within a couple of days, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. A visual examination of the teeth will reveal if you’re grinding or clenching at night. Imaging tests will reveal deterioration due to arthritis or a dislocation or deformity in the joint. From there your orthodontist can design a custom treatment plan to get you relief quickly.
Book an Appointment for TMJ Pain in Conover, NC
Dr. Andrew Hass is a Google top-reviewed orthodontist located in Conover, NC. Hass Family Orthodontics provides comprehensive orthodontic care including treatment for TMJ disorders. To book an appointment, call 828-464-5300, or send us a message. To best serve busy patients, Dr. Hass begins seeing patients at 7:40 am Monday - Thursday.