Like many pregnant women, do you have Jaw Pain With Pregnancy? Being a mother is an exciting and nerve-racking event, but because of the physical changes it causes in your body, there may be unanticipated challenges. Some pregnant women may have soreness in their jaws. Knowing the causes and recognizing the symptoms may help you discover comforting solutions. In some situations, a Redwood City chiropractor for TMJ discomfort can also help you manage this specific aspect of motherhood.
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Possible Causes of Jaw Pain Associated with Pregnancy
Are TMJ issues or jaw pain among the many symptoms you have to deal with, along with the sometimes confusing growth of a second person inside of you? There are several reasons for this discomfort, including Jaw Pain With Pregnancy:
- Insufficient Calcium: Does your diet provide enough calcium for you and your child?
- ENT Infection: Could an infection in the ears, nose, or throat be the cause?
- Heart-related Conditions: Are changes in your cardiovascular system the source of your jaw issues?
- Wisdom Teeth Emergence: Are those teeth arriving too soon?
- Dozing Off on One Side: Is the way you sleep causing your jaw to work too hard?
- Jaw Muscle Swelling: Do you have pain from swollen jaw, neck, or head muscles?
- Do you frequently grind your teeth, especially when you're sleeping? Or did your partner see this behavior?
Understanding Jaw Pain Associated with Pregnancy
Uncomfortable pregnancy is a common complaint among pregnant women. It might be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, physical exertion, and hormonal changes. Pregnancy-related factors like edema, stress, sleep issues, and hormonal changes may be the cause of facial pain and discomfort in the jaw area. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause the body to produce more progesterone and estrogen, which might modify the body's tissues and joints. This might lead to inflammation and jaw pain. One type of physical strain that can put pressure on the jaw joint and cause pain and discomfort is weight gain associated with pregnancy.
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Resolving soreness in the jaw during pregnancy
To relieve your jaw discomfort, use the non-invasive remedies mentioned below:
- Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to your face to ease any discomfort.
- Easy Exercises and Massage: Simple stretches and jaw massages might help you release tension.
- Choosing the Best Painkiller: Consult a physician about safe and efficient options for pregnant women seeking pain treatment.
- Eating the Correct Foods: Oats and chamomile tea are two examples of soft foods that may be beneficial.
- Improving Posture: Good posture reduces pain in the face and jaw.
- Resting the Jaw: Avoid overchewing or challenging meals to aid with the healing process.
What Connection Exists Between Pregnancy and TMJ Disorders?
It is uncertain what causes TMJ problems in pregnant women. However, research identifies several possible reasons, including the following:
Face swelling
Pregnant women frequently have face edema. Unfortunately, in addition to reducing one's feeling of self-worth, facial edema can exacerbate pressure on a TMJ that is already uncomfortable.
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Increased estrogen levels
A 2018 study found that estrogen levels climb sharply during pregnancy. This results in increased joint laxity (looseness) and inflammation around the TMJ.
Teeth grinding at night
Stress and anxiety are common causes of bruxism, or teeth grinding, in pregnant women. Regretfully, this puts a lot of tension on the jaws, making TMJ pain and Jaw Pain With Pregnancy.
Not enough calcium
Osteoporosis causes considerable damage to the TMJ. Notably, many postpartum women are at risk for osteoporosis, or bone loss. Research indicates that while some women develop osteoporosis later in life, others just have transient osteoporosis during pregnancy. During pregnancy and the first two weeks after giving birth, this frequently happens.
Poor sleeping posture
Many pregnant women find it difficult to find a comfortable resting position, especially when their belly begins to protrude. As a result, some people have to change how they sleep, which eventually leads to TMJ pain.
How Can Expectant Mothers With Jaw Pain Reduce It?
TMJ pain is commonly classified as an orthopedic problem since it impacts the jaw joints and bones. Therefore, treating jaw discomfort is similar to addressing orthopedic issues like a sore knee. First, doctors recommend reducing or avoiding activities that negatively impact the jaws and TMJ. These include gripping phones, chewing tough meals, and biting on straws or pencils. Escondido doctors are also searching for workable remedies for TMJ discomfort, such the following:
Applying a cold compress
Cold compresses or ice packs are effective for calming irritated jaws and faces. For this reason, we recommend utilizing one for at least 10 to fifteen minutes. If you don't have an ice pack at home, you can tie a little piece of fabric over a bag of frozen peas. Use it as needed and don't keep it on for too long to prevent skin irritation.
Perform some simple jaw exercises.
Simple and active jaw stretching exercises will help reduce the pain and discomfort you experience in your TMJ. We suggest incorporating this into your daily routine for self-care. Additionally, we suggest adjusting the frequency and intensity of the exercises based on how well your TMJ responds.
Which TMJ Outcomes Are Possible?
The TMJ can enlarge, fracture, or ache like any other joint, which restricts lower jaw motion and results in head and neck pain and discomfort. TMJ issues are uncommon and difficult to treat with anti-inflammatory medications alone, in contrast to other joints like the knees and hips.
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In what ways can pregnancy&nbs;trigger TMJ?
Most pregnant women have edema, the scientific term for body swelling, which may be painful. It usually only affects the ankles, feet, and hands.
Some but not all women experience edema on the face and neck, which can increase pressure on the jaw and the area surrounding the temporomandibular joint. TMJ discomfort might be the outcome.
Causes of Jaw Pain Associated with Pregnancy
There are several causes of jaw pain during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations, physical strain, and stress are some of the most common causes. However, other factors may also contribute to jaw pain during pregnancy. These include:
Bruxism, or teeth grinding or clenching
- Dental problems include cavities and gum disease.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- An instance of sinusitis
- Jaw locking during pregnancy might indicate problems with the TMJ.
How to Handle Pregnancy-Related Jaw Pain
Fortunately, there are several options for managing jaw pain during pregnancy. Treating jaw function is crucial because jaw pain impacts the masseter and temporalis muscles. Common jaw symptoms with TMJ pain include clicking, cracking, and difficulty swallowing. Neck tension, which is commonly caused by changes in posture and activity during pregnancy, can also cause jaw discomfort. Physical therapy treats painful, tense, or worn-out muscles to assist control TMJ pain. TMJ pain can be lessened with specific exercises and techniques. Pain and limited range of motion can be caused by TMJ muscle strain. Temporomandibular dysfunction may worsen due to hormonal changes and other pregnancy-related factors. The TMJ issue, which causes headaches, cracking, and jaw pain, has a number of treatment options. These treatments range from simple do-it-yourself solutions to lifestyle changes and Jaw Pain With Pregnancy.
Home Remedies for Jaw Pain Associated with Pregnancy
One of the easiest ways to manage jaw pain during pregnancy is to use natural solutions. Often, these treatments are simple to do in the comfort of your own home. The following are a few popular natural remedies for TMJ or jaw pain during pregnancy:
Applying a warm compress to the jaw area might help reduce inflammation and relax the jaw muscles.
Using relaxation techniques: Stress can make jaw discomfort during pregnancy worse. Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation are among relaxation practices that can help lessen these symptoms.
It is possible to relieve tension and promote relaxation in the area by gently massaging the jaw muscles. You will receive bonus points if your spouse massages these muscles for you!
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FAQs
What helps jaw pain during pregnancy?
Breathing techniques to promote relaxation and calmness. referral to a physical therapist, massage therapist, or both to treat the frequent pregnancy-related tightness in the jaw and neck muscles. If physical therapy and massage aren't working for your tense jaw or neck muscles, try dry needling or trigger point injections.
Does pregnancy change your jaw?
Pregnancy-related increases in relaxin and estrogen can weaken the jaw ligaments, which may lead to problems including jaw locking, stiffness, and soreness.
How many days does jaw pain last?
It varies. In certain instances, TMD resolves on its own after a week or two. However, in extreme cases, it may last for months or even years. Both acute and chronic TMJ disorders are possible.
Why does my jaw hurt during my period?
During their periods, some women get jaw discomfort. Throughout the menstrual cycle, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to both jaw pain and tension headaches.