It’s often normal for people to start their day feeling mildly achy in different parts of their body. But have you recently started waking up with jaw discomfort? If this is beginning to happen every morning, you might want to consult your dentist about the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Keep reading to learn why your jaw is feeling painful and what you can do about it.
Why Is My Jaw Sore After Waking Up?
Discomfort in your jawbone can be due to a number of reasons, including:
- Bruxism: This is when a person grinds or clenches their teeth often during rest, which can gradually wear down their tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity and pain in their teeth and jaw.
- TMJ disorder (TMD): The joints that link your lower jaw to your skull are your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). If they become damaged or swollen, it can cause moderate to severe discomfort in the long run.
- Unchecked oral health issues: Those who are also struggling with problems like decayed teeth, cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, or other underlying complications might also experience discomfort after waking up.
- Other bodily conditions: Jaw pain can also arise due to an improper sleep position, sinus inflammation, or more serious issues like oral cancer.
Ways to Treat Jaw Discomfort
If you suspect that your jaw is painful in the morning due to bruxism or TMD, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. Even if the discomfort is mild, the last thing you want is for the issue to worsen. By choosing a qualified dentist, you might be able to receive treatment to relieve problems with TMJ, such as wearing an oral appliance designed to allow the joints to rest and heal. You might also be recommended to try home remedies like using cold/heat therapy or facial massages. Once your dentist can thoroughly assess your situation, they can work on developing a proper treatment plan for you.
You shouldn’t have to live with an annoyingly uncomfortable jawline! Be sure to consult a qualified dentist who offers TMD and bruxism treatments, and they can help get you back to enjoying a more comfortable jaw in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Ye Wang graduated from the Beijing University of Dental Medicine before earning her dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She provides a wide range of effective services to help improve oral and overall health, including TMJ therapy. If you’d like to know more about this treatment or wish to schedule a consultation, visit our website or reach out to our office at 847-221-5860.