Have you ever experienced TMJ pain when swallowing and wondered what could be causing it? When the temporomandibular joint or jaw joints suffer from inflammation, it can cause facial pain, especially when talking or eating. Muscles on our tongue, face, jaw, and neck join forces as we push our food down our throats. That’s why patients with TMJ disorder can feel neck pain when swallowing or a popping feeling in throat when swallowing.
Discover the common triggers of TMJ and several effective treatment options that can help alleviate the symptoms and restore your oral function.
What Causes TMJ Pain When Swallowing?
TMJ disorder can induce pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. TMJ pain when swallowing can occur due to several factors, including:
Muscular Problems
Muscular problems can cause TMJ pain through the development of trigger points. Trigger points are small, palpable knots that develop in the muscle fibers. They can cause referred pain, meaning the pain is felt in a different area than the trigger point. In the case of TMJ pain when swallowing, the trigger points in the neck and head muscles can refer to the temporomandibular joint, causing discomfort during swallowing.
Arthritis
When the jaw is affected by arthritis, the inflammation can cause the ligaments and muscles around the joint to become tight and painful. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, as the muscles involved in the swallowing process may be affected. Additionally, the inflammation can cause pressure on the nerves that control the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to further pain and discomfort.
Dislocation
When the jawbone is out of its socket due to dislocation, it can lead to a misalignment of the teeth, resulting in difficulty in biting, chewing, and swallowing food properly. The misalignment can also cause difficulty opening the mouth, leading to severe pain when swallowing.
Another reason dislocation can cause TMJ pain when swallowing is the pressure that the dislocation puts on the surrounding muscles and nerves. The jaw muscles and nerves are highly sensitive and can easily irritate when pressure is applied. This irritation can lead to pain and discomfort in the TMJ area, making swallowing difficult and painful.
Related Article: How Do You Know If You Have TMJ Disorder Or Lockjaw?
Infections
When an infection occurs, your body’s immune system responds by creating inflammation. This inflammation can cause swelling and pain in various parts of your body, including your jaw and the surrounding area. This swelling can put pressure on your temporomandibular joint and cause pain when moving your mouth, including when swallowing.
Dental Problems
Dental problems like misaligned teeth, a bad bite, or ill-fitting dentures can cause TMJ pain when swallowing. When the teeth don’t fit together correctly, it can cause the jaw to move abnormally, putting pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Tooth decay and gum disease can also contribute to TMJ pain when swallowing. When the teeth and gums are infected or damaged, it can cause tension in the jaw muscles, leading to TMJ pain. Additionally, tooth cavities or abscesses can cause referred pain to the temporomandibular joint, making swallowing painful.
Excessive Gum Chewing
Excessive gum chewing can cause TMJ pain when swallowing because it strains the muscles in your jaw. When you chew gum, you repeatedly open and close your mouth, leading to muscle overuse. This overuse can cause inflammation, resulting in pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint.
Bruxism
Bruxism can cause TMJ pain when swallowing because the repeated clenching and teeth grinding put excessive pressure on the TMJ. Over time, this pressure can cause inflammation, leading to pain and discomfort.
Read More: What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?
How Painful Swallowing Can Lead to Other Issues
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can be a painful and frustrating experience for patients suffering from TMJ. However, this condition can lead to other health issues if left untreated.
Malnutrition
If you are experiencing pain when swallowing, you may avoid eating or drinking certain foods or liquids, which can lead to malnutrition. This can occur over time and lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, affecting your overall health.
Dehydration
Similarly, if you are experiencing pain when swallowing, you may not drink enough fluids, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can result in numerous health issues, including headaches, fatigue, and constipation.
Risk of Choking or Aspiration
Dysphagia can increase the risk of food or liquid entering the airway instead of the esophagus, which can cause aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious condition that can lead to chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath.
Weight Loss
If you are experiencing dysphagia and avoiding certain foods or liquids, you may unintentionally lose weight, which can lead to weakness and fatigue.
Sleep Disturbances
Painful swallowing can cause discomfort and pain in the throat, making sleeping difficult. This pain can be particularly bothersome at night when lying down, as the throat muscles relax, irritating to worsen.
Another issue that can arise from painful swallowing is coughing. This is more common when the cause is due to an infection or inflammation. The coughing can be particularly unsettling at night, causing someone to wake up frequently. Furthermore, coughing during sleep can also increase the risk of choking or other respiratory difficulties, which can be dangerous.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a health condition where stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Painful swallowing can cause GERD because the irritation and inflammation caused by the stomach acid can make it difficult to swallow. Individuals with GERD may experience a burning sensation in the throat or chest when swallowing, which is often accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth.
Tips for TMJ Pain Relief
Living with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can be a daily struggle, often causing discomfort and hindering your ability to enjoy simple activities like eating or talking. Finding relief from this persistent pain is essential. Here are valuable tips that can help alleviate the discomfort caused by TMJ disorder.
Avoid Hard, Crunchy, or Chewy Foods
Hard and chewy foods can strain the jaw and worsen existing pain. Instead, try incorporating softer foods, such as cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. This can help reduce the workload on the jaw and allow for more comfortable chewing and swallowing. Additionally, cutting food into smaller pieces can make it easier to eat and reduce the need for excessive chewing.
Avoid Opening Your Mouth Too Wide
Opening your mouth too wide can put a strain on the TMJ and the surrounding muscles. Being mindful of your mouth opening can reduce the risk of TMJ pain. Simple strategies such as taking small bites, speaking slowly and deliberately, and supporting your jaw with your hand when yawning can all help to reduce excessive mouth opening and alleviate TMJ pain.
Use a Mouthguard to Prevent Clenching
Mouth guards provide a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the impact of clenching or grinding and allowing the jaw muscles to relax. There are over-the-counter mouthguards that are affordable and readily available.
Use Relaxation Techniques
Meditation is a relaxation technique that can be helpful for TMJ pain relief. Meditation involves focusing on a particular object, thought, or activity and allowing your mind to become calm and relaxed. You can do this by finding a quiet place to sit, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breath or repeating a mantra. Let go of distracting thoughts and concentrate on your breath or mantra for several minutes.
Use Over-The-Counter Pain Medications
Over-the-counter medicines can relieve pain in the jaw and neighboring muscles by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals. Before taking any new medication, following the specified dosage guidelines and consulting with a medical professional is essential.
Massage the Affected Area
Massaging the muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders can help release tension and improve blood flow, reducing inflammation and pain. Using gentle, circular motions with your fingers or a massage tool, focus on the areas around the TMJ and the muscles that control the jaw and neck. It’s important to avoid applying too much pressure, as this can aggravate the pain.
Apply a Warm or Cold Compress
Applying a warm pad or cold compress to the affected area can be a simple and effective way to relieve TMJ pain. A warm compress, like a heating pad, can help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles.
While a cold compress, such as an ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a towel, can help to numb the area and reduce pain and swelling. You can try warm and cold compresses to find which works best for you.
Related Article: Best Proven Home Remedies For TMJ Pain
Other Swallowing Difficulties Caused by TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can cause a range of swallowing difficulties in addition to pain, including:
Reduced range of motion
TMJ disorders can limit the movement of the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth to swallow certain foods or liquids.
Jaw locking
Jaw locking or being stuck in a particular position can make swallowing difficult or impossible.
Clicking or popping sound
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw can be distracting or uncomfortable when swallowing.
Excessive salivation
Excessive salivation can make swallowing more difficult and lead to choking or aspiration.
Nasal regurgitation
TMJ disorders can cause food or liquid to enter the nasal cavity instead of the esophagus, leading to a sensation of nasal regurgitation.
Read Also: Can You Treat TMJ Disorder With Injections?
FAQs for TMJ Pain When Swallowing
When should I worry about TMJ pain?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as; worsening jaw joint pain, problems opening your mouth when eating, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, migraines, and vision or hearing problems, speak with a healthcare professional immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
How long does TMJ last?
In most cases, TMJ pain and other symptoms can last for a few days to a week, especially if they are related to factors such as stress or minor injuries. In severe circumstances, however, TMJ pain and symptoms may persist for months or even years, especially if they are related to underlying conditions such as arthritis or dental issues.
Can TMJ be felt in the throat?
When the TMJ becomes damaged, it can cause pain or other sensations that may be felt in the surrounding areas, including the throat. This can occur because the nerves that supply the TMJ also supply the muscles of the throat and pharynx, which are involved in swallowing and speaking.
Take Control of TMJ Pain When Swallowing With Garza DDS’s Expert Care
Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort and pain caused by TMJ when swallowing? Take control of your health with the expert care of Dr. Garza. At Garza DDS, we understand TMJ pain’s impact on your life. That’s why we offer comprehensive treatment options customized to your condition that provides long-term relief. Focusing on patient-centered care, we prioritize your convenience and satisfaction at every step of the treatment process. Contact us now to enjoy a pain-free smile.