Pain in the jaw can be devastating. You can't smile, you can't eat, and you can't speak. Its terrible. It can start with an accident, a long dental visit, or without any reason. Acute pain when the pain begins suddenly. Chronic pain is when the pain persists and doesn't go away.

          Pain in the jaw causes the jaw muscles to tighten and hold the jaw in one place to protect it. Unfortunately, the jaw muscles then go into spasm, become inflamed, and cause more discomfort . Jaw muscle exercises can be helpful because they bring blood to the tight jaw muscles. Because patients with jaw pain can't chew easily, many patients do not eat much. This decreases their strength and causes more discomfort.

          Placing moist hot hand towels over both sides of the jaws can help. Fill up a sink with hot water and place the towels in the sink then wring them out. Be sure the water is not hot enough to burn you. After a few minutes, stretch your jaw muscles by opening and closing as wide and you can. The movement and the heat help bring nourishing blood to the jaw muscles and take away the waste products that have built up that cause pain in the jaw muscles.

          Gentle massage can help. Rub the muscles on the outside of your face and then place your thumb or forefinger inside the mouth and the other finger outside the mouth. Gently sweeze the muscles between your two fingers and rub the jaw muscles from inside and outside the mouth.

         You can also fill your bathtub up with hot water and immerse yourself almost totally in the hot water so that your entire face is covered. This can often help the pain in the jaw patient sleep better. Motrin and Nuprin are the best over-the-counter analgesics for this problem. However, they do not solve the problem of why your jaw muscles are hurting and only mask the symptoms.

          It is important for patients to remember to stay healthy and eat properly. There are many causes of pain in the jaw and that's why it is so difficult for many doctors to diagnose. One cause is a nutritional deficiency in a vitamin, like Vitamin C or Vitamin E. It can even be caused by a mineral deficiency in magnesium , calcium , or any of the other minerals required by your body. Keep your mind off of your discomfort and on something positive. Don't worry your relatives with your pain. Don't complain; instead, do something about it.

         For patients with pain in the jaw, visiting a knowledgeable dentist is essential. The dentist can often make a dental appliance that will help support your jaw without the need for your jaw muscles. He can refer you to a physical therapist trained in treating TMJ or to massage therapist who can help you relax your jaw muscles and reduce your discomfort.

          If you are experiencing pain in the jaw and would like to visit Dr. Padolsky, call 404-874-7428 to make an appointment.

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