If you're experiencing jaw pain or stiffness, you might benefit from a visit to your family dentistry provider. Your discomfort may be due to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. This jaw joint is the source of many potential problems in the head and neck which require a wide range of treatments to address. Coulee Family Dental in La Crosse, WI, can help you understand the cause of your TMJ pain and how to address it. Here are the most common risk factors.

1. Head or Jaw Injury

A sudden case of TMJ pain may be due to a recent injury to your jaw or the surrounding areas. Even if the injury isn't the direct cause, TMJ pain can be brought on by a change in the way you move your jaw—for instance, if you're favoring an injured area.

2. Misaligned Teeth

The way your jaw moves is powerfully affected by the way your teeth fit together. If your teeth are misaligned, your jaw may not close naturally, which means extra strain on the muscles and cartilage involved. Your local family dentistry practice can help you correct the misalignment to ease the pain in your jaw.

3. Arthritis

Like any joint, your jaw can be affected by several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. If this is the case, your regular arthritis treatment may be enough to counteract the effects.

4. Gum Chewing

While it's sometimes considered a bad habit and can contribute to cavities, chewing gum might seem harmless. But the constant use of your jaw muscles can contribute to fatigue and pain in the joint.

5. Stress

If your stress is causing muscle tension or teeth grinding, you may suffer the same ill effects from overuse of your jaw. Treatment in this case might consist of a night guard from your dentist, along with measures to address your stress.

If you're experiencing TMJ pain, a trip to your family dentistry practice can be the first step toward recovery. Call Coulee Family Dental at (608) 782-3102 or visit their website to request an appointment.