Jaw pain is a common ailment among adults and older teens. Unfortunately, there can be a lot of confusion about this condition. For example, what causes La Jolla jaw pain? Will you suffer from the condition for the rest of your life? Are there any effective at-home remedies for jaw pain and facial swelling? Test your knowledge of San Diego jaw pain with this quick quiz. Then check your answers, and find out the most effective remedies for your discomfort.

The Quiz

  1. Which of the following is not a likely cause of San Diego jaw pain?
    A. Stress
    B. Misaligned teeth
    C. Oral cancer
    D. Injury or trauma
  2. True or false: Neck or shoulder spasms could lead to TMJ Disorder.
  3. Which of the following could be a symptom of TMJ Disorder?
    A. Tingling in your arms and hands
    B. Ringing in your ears
    C. Gum irritation
    D. All of the above
  4. Which is the most common treatment for TMJ Disorder?
    A. Jaw surgery
    B. A custom-made oral splint
    C. A strict soft diet
    D. Braces and headgear

How Much Do You Know about La Jolla Jaw Pain?

  1. C. Oral cancer is an unlikely cause of jaw discomfort. Stress is by far the most common reason that you may be struggling with jaw pain. When you are under mental or emotional strain, you will often clench your jaw and grind your teeth. Often, this will happen at night, so you may be unaware that you are doing so. Though less common, misaligned teeth can also cause jaw pain, since your bite will place uneven force on your temporomandibular joints. Finally, injuries such as whiplash or a blunt blow, can stretch your ligaments, causing ongoing pain.
  2. True. There is a complex relationship between your neck muscles and your jaw joints. Muscle spasms lead to changes in the way you hold your head. In turn, this will place tension on your neck and jaw muscles. It can also lead to decreased jaw mobility and chronic pain. However, not everyone who has muscle spasms will automatically develop TMD.
  3. D. Although headaches, jaw pain, and facial pain are the most common symptoms of TMD, the condition can cause a host of unexpected side effects. Muscle tension in your jaw and neck can compress the nearby nerves, leading to tingling and numbness in your limbs. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another fairly rare side effect of TMD. Scientists are still researching the correlation between the two conditions. However, they believe it may have something to do with the nerves associated with hearing, or with the ligaments that attach to the tiny bones inside your ears. Finally, gum irritation another side effect of TMJ and bruxism. Constant pressure due to grinding and clenching can inflame these sensitive tissues.
  4. B. In most cases, Dr. Georgaklis will treat TMJ Disorder with a non-invasive, custom-made mouthpiece. Typically, you will only need to wear the device at night, and you should notice an improvement within one to three months. Dr. Georgaklis will work in conjunction with a chiropractor to ensure more effective relief from your San Diego jaw pain. In severe cases, patients may require jaw surgery, or orthodontic treatment, but this is very rare. A temporary adjustment to your eating habits can help reduce inflammation as you adjust to your new oral splint. However, you should be able to return to your normal diet quickly.

Find Jaw Pain Relief in San Diego

To learn more about La Jolla jaw pain treatment, or to find out what may be causing your discomfort, contact Dr. George Georgaklis today.