How TMJ May Be the Cause of Facial Pain

Many patients experience facial pain and even chronic pain as a result of some kind of trauma to the TMJ or the muscles around the joint. This trauma could have been an acute, major trauma such as whiplash from a car accident or a heavy blow to the jaw. Sometimes the trauma is only a microtrauma, such as a damaged nerve.

Temporomandibular disorder is a condition in which the jaw joint slips out of alignment. This condition is sometimes the result of trauma, and can absolutely contribute to facial pain.

Absolutely, yes. Excessive gum chewing is often the culprit behind facial pain. Nail-biting can be problematic too. These bad habits can cause the TMJ to become inflamed, which in turn can cause other complications. For many other patients, teeth clenching is problematic as it puts a great deal of pressure on the TMJ.

Poor posture, especially when sitting at a desk, can lead to neck strain, abnormal jaw muscle function, and even facial pain. For instance, by leaning forward at a desk, you might be likely to clench your jaw, which can cause pain. Poor posture can also cause tension headaches and other issues.

Stress can have a significant effect on the mind and body. Stress can cause muscle tension and jaw clenching, or even teeth grinding, all of which can cause facial pain. All of these issues can stem from stress, so it’s very important to properly manage your stress, especially at work when both stress management and proper posture are especially important.

This is very common too. Sometimes the issue is a simple cavity in the teeth, which can cause pain to radiate from the tooth throughout the face. Other times, the issue is with the misalignment or loss of teeth, which certainly can contribute to facial pain.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to pain sensitivity and increased stress responses, which can make patients more susceptible to symptoms and facial pain. Other people might have masticatory muscle disorders such as myofascial pain, while others still might have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ. Additionally, certain sleep disorders could be responsible for facial pain and other issues.

Here at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we can help with sleep disorders, TMJ issues, and most causes of facial pain. In fact, for many patients, the simple solution is a therapeutic one. Our clinic provides a non-invasive, drug-free, therapeutic solution for patients that are also customized for each patient and very comfortable to use. With a simple, proven oral insert, patients can get relief from common TMJ issues and facial pain. Often, patients experience immediate relief upon initial use, and after 3 months they experience a 90% reduction in symptoms!

If you’re experiencing any issues with your TMJ or with facial pain, then we hope you’ll reach out to us for assistance and to learn more about the oral therapy we offer. We have multiple clinics in the United States, so please see our Appointments page for our locations and contact information, and to book a consultation with us.

We look forward to helping you with your pain here at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders!