Is Jaw Pain Keeping You Awake at Night?
Posted by Tanner Jessel on Tue, Aug 05, 2008 @ 11:27 PM
Is Jaw Pain Keeping You Awake at Night? The U.S. Surgeon General's report on Oral Health In America states that 55% of the population has sleeping problems due to oral pain. A particularly troublesome problem for many people is actually caused by a joint disorder called TMJ. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, between 5 and 15 percent of people in the U.S. could suffer pain due to a TMJ disorder, a painful condition affecting the temporomandibular joint that connects the jawbone to the skull and allows you to open your mouth. Women seem to be affected more often than men. In fact, according to Surgeon General, over 10 million women in the U.S. suffer from a TMJ disorder.
The Mayo Clinic describes some of the common symptoms of TMJ disorders. Some of the signs and symptoms include pain or tenderness of your jaw, aching pain in and around your ear, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, aching facial pain, and headache.
Before you visit your dentist, you can try to alleviate the pain yourself. The American Academy of Family Physicians Family Health and Medical Guide suggests relaxing your jaw when you're tense or nervous, and recommends that you stop chewing gum. Taking a mild anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen may help alleviate your pain.
If your jaw pain continues for more than two weeks, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist Your dentist can discuss your symptoms, investigate possible causes, and explore treatment options. Some of the options include medications, therapies, and surgical procedures. Your dentist can also recommend tips for avoiding stress to your jaw.
Members of the Universal Dental Plan for Massachusetts residents can take advantage of special negotiated rates for affordable dental care when visiting their dentist for TMJ disorder treatment. In fact, Universal Dental Plan's affordable dental care offers a 20% discount from customary fees for all TMJ dentistry, including any needed oral surgery or other dental services. And, of course, your regularly scheduled check-up and other plan benefits are discounted with your UDP discount dental plan membership as well.