Whether you have jaw pain at the end of the day or during your lunch break, you are not alone if you live in Florida or anywhere in the US. There are many causes for jaw pain and many ways to treat it. Here is what the medical guidelines recommend you try first.
What are TMJ issues?
The temporomandibular joints are located in front of each of your ears and allow you to open your mouth and chew food. When these joints and the muscles around them become uncomfortable this can be classified as TMD or temporomandibular disorders. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that about 5% of Americans suffer from TMD and that women are more likely to experience it than men. Most will experience pain in the jaw or face area. You may also experience a stiff jaw or difficulty opening your mouth fully. Some patients will click when they open their mouth which may be painful. If your jaw clicks but is not painful there is most likely nothing to worry about. Most cases will resolve on their own.
Things to try first
As mentioned above there are some reversible methods to try when you first experience jaw pain. Eating softer foods can reduce strain on your jaw. You can also apply heat or an ice pack to the outside of your jaw to relieve discomfort. Stretching your jaw and taking ibuprofen can also help. Make sure you aren’t clenching your teeth during the day and avoid chewing gum as these can cause jaw pain as well. Try to reduce stress and see a physical therapist who can help you stretch your jaw and relieve tension in your jaw muscles.
See a dentist or doctor
If you cannot open your mouth or eat properly you should see your dentist or doctor. The NIDCR does not recommend making any permanent changes to your teeth or bite line without good reason. They recommend asking your doctor about reversible methods and seeking a second opinion if you are being advised to do anything irreversible. Mouth guards can be helpful but the NIDCR does not have much research on mouth guards and they should not change your bite permanently.
New treatment for TMJ in West Broward
EMFACE is a non-invasive procedure that uses radio frequency and muscle stimulation on your face. In 2025 EMFACE received FDA approval to treat TMJ and relieve pain associated with it. It can also help relieve symptoms of muscle spasms and help improve or maintain range of motion in your jaw.
Dr. Heidi Finkelstein, DMD at My Plantation Dentist in Plantation offers EMFACE for TMJ. She will perform 4 sessions that last about 20 minutes each and are one week apart. There is no needles or down time involved. You will feel the muscles in your face contract and may feel some warmth during your session. She will evaluate your range of motion and see if you show any signs of clenching or grinding (bruxism) before starting treatment. EMFACE can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as a mouth guard. We serve the Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, Sunrise and Southwest Ranches area.
