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If your jaw clicks, locks, or aches every time you chew or yawn, you might have TMJ disorder. Also known as TMD, this condition affects the temporomandibular joints on both sides of your jaw. These small hinge joints control your ability to talk, chew, and move your jaw.
In this blog, we explain what causes TMJ pain, which treatments offer real relief, and when Botox may be the right choice for reducing muscle tension and jaw discomfort.
TMJ pain often stems from overactive jaw muscles. While night guards and therapy help, Botox offers targeted relief when tension and headaches persist.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
TMJ disorders do not always have a single cause. Most cases are due to a combination of factors that put stress on the jaw muscles and joints.
Common causes of TMJ pain include:
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism): This overworks the jaw muscles, especially during sleep.
- Muscle imbalance: Uneven bite forces or poor posture can strain one side of the jaw. These muscle imbalances can be caused by remote sites such as the neck or back as well.
- Trauma or injury: Direct hits to the jaw can disrupt temporomandibular joint function.
- Arthritis: Degeneration of the joint structure can lead to stiffness and pain.
- Stress: Emotional tension often leads to unconscious clenching.
In many cases, patients experience a mix of facial pain, joint inflammation, and dental misalignment. This can cause pain that spreads to the temples, ears, and neck. These symptoms are common signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and other joint disorders.
The Do’s and Don’ts for TMJ Disorder
Not every TMJ treatment is helpful. Some approaches reduce symptoms and protect the jaw, while others may do more harm than good. Here’s what to do and what to avoid if you’re managing TMJ pain.
DO:
- Try physical therapy and jaw exercises: Gentle stretches, posture correction, and guided exercises improve jaw function and reduce strain.
- Use a custom night guard or occlusal splint: These appliances help prevent teeth grinding and take pressure off the joints while you sleep.
- Consider bite adjustments or dental treatment: If your bite is misaligned, certain dental procedures can help balance forces across your jaw.
- Apply heat or cold therapy: Warm compresses relax tight muscles, while cold packs help with inflammation and swelling.
- Ask about Botox or Xeomin for TMJ: Botox and Xeomin injections can relieve pain by relaxing the overactive muscles that contribute to clenching and tension.
DON’T:
- Rely on over-the-counter mouth guards: Poor fit can make your symptoms worse and may shift your bite in the wrong direction.
- Use painkillers as your only solution: Medications can mask pain temporarily but won’t fix the underlying issue.
- Jump to surgery: Surgical procedures should only be considered after conservative treatments have failed.
- Chew gum or tough foods during flare-ups: These habits can strain the jaw muscles and prolong inflammation.
How Botox For TMJ Works
When TMJ pain is caused by chronic muscle tension, Botox offers a minimally invasive solution that targets the problem at its source. Dr. Gary Morris, Dr. Shanna Spina and Dr. Jeff Chen provides Botox as part of a custom TMJ therapy plan designed to reduce pain and restore balance.
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that temporarily blocks nerve signals to overactive muscles. When injected into the masseter or temporalis muscles, it reduces clenching, grinding, and tension.
Benefits of Treatment
- Reduces muscle overuse: Limits involuntary clenching that strains the temporomandibular joint.
- Eases pain: Less muscle tension means fewer stress-related headaches and trigger points.
- Improves jaw movement: Many patients report easier chewing and fewer clicks or locks.
- No downtime: Injections take minutes, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
What to Expect
- Consultation:Your dentist will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Additional tests such as a CT scan may be recommended.
- Precise injections: Botox is placed directly into the jaw muscles that contribute to your symptoms.
- Relief within days: Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 7 days, with full effects usually seen by 14 days.
- Touch-ups required: Results last 3-4 months, and most patients require touch up appointments to maintain results.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation in Buffalo Grove
If you’re living with daily jaw pain, muscle tension, or headaches linked to clenching and grinding, schedule a consultation at Morris Dental Solutions.
To schedule a TMJ consultation at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
FAQs About TMJ Treatment
Yes. For patients who experience frequent headaches from jaw clenching or muscle tension, Botox can be an effective option. It’s often used as part of a TMJ headache treatment plan to relax overworked muscles and reduce pressure on the joints.
TMJ pain on one side can result from uneven bite pressure, clenching, or muscle strain. A custom night guard, physical therapy, or Botox injections can reduce muscle tension and restore jaw balance.
The most effective TMJ treatment depends on the cause. Conservative treatments such as night guards, Botox injections, bite adjustments, and jaw exercises are usually the first step. Botox is especially helpful for muscle-driven TMJ disorders.
TMJ does not have to be permanent. Many people find relief with the right combination of treatments. Long-term management may include periodic therapy, stress reduction, and dental or orthodontic treatment. Learn more in our blog: Is It Possible To Cure TMJ Permanently?
If you are looking for TMJ treatment near Buffalo Grove, Morris Dental Solutions offers expert care with a focus on conservative solutions. Dr. Gary Morris provides Botox for TMJ, bite evaluations, and personalized treatment plans for temporomandibular disorders.
