TMJ and Tooth Pain: How To Tell the Difference

• February 12, 2025
• Dr. Catherine-Anne Walsh

Experiencing discomfort in your mouth can be uncomfortable, especially when you’re not sure if it’s a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or tooth pain. Both conditions can present with similar symptoms, yet their causes and treatments differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective relief and maintaining optimal oral health.

At The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, we can diagnose and treat both TMJ disorders and dental-related tooth pain. Whether you’re experiencing persistent jaw discomfort, facial pain, or sensitivity in your teeth, our expert team can provide comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans to restore your comfort and well-being.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and plays a crucial role in everyday functions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorder refers to a group of conditions that affect the joint and surrounding muscles, causing discomfort and dysfunction.

Common TMJ Symptoms:

• Jaw Pain: A persistent aching or tenderness in the jaw, often worse in the morning or after chewing.
• Facial Pain: Discomfort spreading to the face, ears, and sometimes the neck.
• Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible noises when opening or closing the mouth.
• Difficulty Chewing: A sensation of misalignment or discomfort while eating.
• Lockjaw: Limited jaw movement or an inability to open the mouth fully.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches, particularly around the temples.

TMJ pain can sometimes mimic a toothache, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. However, symptoms such as jaw stiffness, clicking sounds, and pain radiating to the ears are key indicators of TMJ disorder.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:

• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Excessive clenching or grinding can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
• Jaw Injury: Trauma or impact to the jaw can lead to joint misalignment.
• Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ.
• Stress: Increased stress levels can lead to jaw clenching and muscle tension.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Poor teeth alignment can place stress on the TMJ.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s usually localised and caused by issues related to the teeth and gums.

Understanding Tooth Pain

Tooth pain, on the other hand, is usually localised and caused by issues related to the teeth and gums. It can range from a mild ache to severe pain and may be triggered by hot or cold temperatures, chewing, or pressure.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain:

• Tooth Decay: Cavities or damage to the tooth enamel can expose the inner layers, leading to pain.
• Gum Disease: Inflammation of the gums due to poor oral hygiene can cause pain and sensitivity.
• Dental Abscess: An infection in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue can result in severe pain and swelling.
• Cracked or Fractured Tooth: Physical damage to the tooth can expose the nerves, causing pain.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly, they can cause discomfort and misalignment.

How to Know if It’s TMJ or a Toothache

Distinguishing between TMJ pain and tooth pain can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Both conditions may present with discomfort in the jaw and mouth area, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

However, understanding the key differences can help identify whether your discomfort is related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or a dental issue such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Pain Location: Key Indicator of TMJ vs. Toothache

One of the most noticeable distinctions between TMJ disorder and toothache is the location of the pain:

TMJ Disorder:

• Pain is often widespread, affecting areas beyond the teeth, such as the jaw, ears, and even the face and neck.
• TMJ pain can radiate to different parts of the head, leading to headaches and earaches.
• The discomfort may feel like a dull, persistent ache or a sharp pain when moving the jaw.

Tooth Pain:

• Pain is usually localised to a specific tooth or a small section of the gums.
• It may feel like a throbbing sensation or sharp pain, especially when pressure is applied to the tooth.
• Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth often accompanies the pain, indicating an underlying dental issue.

Pain Triggers: What Causes the Discomfort?

Understanding what aggravates the pain can further help differentiate between TMJ disorder and a dental problem.

TMJ Disorder:

• Pain often worsens with jaw movement, such as chewing, speaking, yawning, or opening the mouth wide.
• Prolonged periods of jaw tension, stress, or clenching can exacerbate symptoms.
• Pain might also increase after waking up, especially if nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) is a contributing factor.

Tooth Pain:

• Typically triggered by hot, cold, or sweet foods, causing sensitivity in the affected tooth.
• Pain may intensify when biting down or chewing food.
• Discomfort often persists even when at rest and can worsen if an infection is present.

Additional Symptoms to Consider

Looking at accompanying symptoms can provide further clues in determining the source of the pain.

TMJ Disorder:

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw.
• Limited range of motion or difficulty opening and closing the mouth fully.
• Facial fatigue or a feeling of muscle tightness in the jaw and neck region.
• Headaches, especially around the temples, and ear pain unrelated to infection.

Tooth Pain:

• Persistent sensitivity to temperature changes (hot or cold).
• Visible swelling of the gums or face near the affected tooth.
• Presence of cavities, gum redness, or discharge from an abscess.
• A foul taste in the mouth, which may indicate an infection.

If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain or tooth pain and are unsure of the cause, visiting The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street for a comprehensive evaluation can provide clarity and an accurate diagnosis. Our dental professionals can conduct thorough examinations, including X-rays and physical assessments, to determine the best course of action for your condition.

Both TMJ disorders and tooth pain have specific treatment approaches aimed at relieving discomfort and improving oral health.

Treatment Options for TMJ and Tooth Pain

Once the source of your pain has been identified, the appropriate treatment can be recommended. Both TMJ disorders and tooth pain have specific treatment approaches aimed at relieving discomfort and improving oral health.

TMJ Disorder Treatments

If your pain is determined to be related to TMJ disorder, several treatment options can help alleviate discomfort and restore proper jaw function:

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Stress management techniques such as meditation and relaxation exercises can help reduce jaw clenching and alleviate TMJ pain.
• Avoiding hard or chewy foods that may strain the jaw.

Mouthguards/Nightguards:

• Custom-fitted oral appliances can help prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and relieve pressure on the jaw joint.

Physical Therapy:

• Jaw exercises and massage therapy can improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.
• Heat or ice therapy to relieve pain and inflammation.

Medication:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for severe cases.

Orthodontic Treatment:

• Misaligned teeth or bite issues may contribute to TMJ pain, and orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners may be recommended to correct the issue.

Surgical Options:

• In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical interventions such as arthrocentesis or joint replacement may be necessary.

Tooth Pain Treatments

If the pain is due to a dental issue, treatments focus on restoring the affected tooth and preventing further damage. Common treatment options include:

Dental Fillings:

• Used to treat cavities and restore the tooth’s structure and function.
• Helps prevent further decay from progressing.

Root Canal Therapy:

• If an infection has reached the tooth pulp, a root canal procedure can remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

Tooth Extraction:

• In cases of severe damage or decay, the tooth may need to be removed to prevent infection from spreading.

Gum Treatment:

If gum disease is causing tooth pain, deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing can remove plaque buildup beneath the gumline.

Preventive Care:

• Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and maintaining good oral hygiene habits can prevent future dental issues and keep your teeth healthy.

At The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, our team is equipped to handle both TMJ disorders and dental pain, offering treatments and personalised care to restore your oral health

How to contact us at our Sydney CBD clinic

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Email Us: info@thedentist.net.au

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FAQs

How can I differentiate TMJ pain from a regular toothache?

To differentiate TMJ pain from a regular toothache, consider the pain location and triggers. TMJ-related tooth pain often presents as a dull, aching discomfort that spreads across the jaw muscles, face, and ears, whereas a typical toothache is usually localised to a specific tooth. If the pain worsens with jaw movement, such as chewing or speaking, it is likely due to a temporomandibular disorder. Consulting a dental professional can help provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate pain relief options.

Can TMJ cause tooth pain?

Yes, TMJ disorders can cause referred pain that feels like a toothache. TMJ-related tooth pain occurs when the jaw muscles become overworked or inflamed, causing discomfort that radiates to the teeth. This type of oral pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as jaw clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, and headaches. Seeking treatment for temporomandibular disorder can help alleviate the associated dental health concerns.

What are the common signs of TMJ-related tooth pain?

Common signs of TMJ tooth pain include aching in the jaw muscles, pain that spreads to nearby teeth, and discomfort that worsens with jaw movement. Other indicators include clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, headaches, and stiffness in the temporomandibular joint. If you’re experiencing persistent oral pain that doesn’t respond to typical dental treatments, it may be related to a temporomandibular disorder.

What are the best pain relief options for TMJ-related tooth pain?

Pain relief options for TMJ-related tooth pain include practicing jaw relaxation exercises, using a warm compress to soothe jaw muscles, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Dental treatments such as wearing a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding and seeking professional guidance from a dentist can also provide long-term relief and improve overall dental health.

When should I seek professional help for TMJ or tooth pain?

You should seek professional help if you experience persistent jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or if the pain radiates to your teeth and face. If you suspect TMJ tooth pain or have signs of referred pain affecting your dental health, a dentist can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options to prevent further complications related to temporomandibular disorder.

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