Can Arthritis Aggravate Jaw Pain?

Jaw Pain Treatment New Jersey
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Category: Jaw pain

There are a number of diseases and conditions that can aggravate jaw pain, including arthritis. Experienced dentists Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein are experts at treating issues that impact the jaw. Here, they discuss how arthritis can aggravate jaw pain.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull.  A person has two TMJs, one on each side of their head. The TMJ is a complex joint that is important to everyday activities like talking and eating.

TMJ disorder (commonly called TMJ or TMD) results from chronic stress on the temporomandibular joint. Symptoms include audible jaw clicking or popping, headaches, difficulty opening one’s mouth and, most notably, jaw pain. TMJ disorder can have a number of causes, including arthritis.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. There are many different types of arthritis. While most people think of arthritis as a disease affecting the hands, hips and knees, it can also affect the jaw. The most common types of arthritis that can cause jaw pain are the following:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative disease that occurs due to wear and tear of the joint. It can impact any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis of the jaw can impact one or both sides of the jaw. It can cause jaw pain and impact jaw function.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue. This includes tissue that lines the body’s joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful swelling in the joints, including the TMJ. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to impact both sides of the jaw. The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw is pain.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to pain, individuals with psoriatic arthritis may also experience issues with jaw function, teeth grinding and teeth clenching. Early treatment can help to manage pain and possibly prevent irreversible jaw damage.

Schedule a Consultation With the Experts

Your jaw pain can have a number of causes. The best way to find relief for your jaw pain is by consulting with an expert at diagnosing and treating jaw pain. Call 855-TMJ-DOCS or fill out our contact form to make an appointment with Dr. Stein and Dr. Stein at Headache & TMJ Center of New Jersey.