Facial pain can be confusing, especially when symptoms overlap between different conditions. TMJ disorders and sinus issues both cause discomfort in similar areas of the face, making it hard to know what’s really going on. The location, quality, and triggers of your pain can help you determine whether you’re dealing with a jaw problem or a sinus infection.
At Marlen Elite Dental Wellness, we help patients in River Edge, NJ, distinguish between TMJ pain and other facial discomfort. Dr. Marlen Martirossian uses advanced diagnostic technology to identify the true source of your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Where the Pain Shows Up
The location of your pain offers important clues about its source. TMJ pain typically centers around the jaw joint itself, just in front of your ears. You may feel it radiate to your temples, cheeks, or down into your neck and shoulders. Some people notice pain when they chew, talk, or move their jaw from side to side.
Sinus pain, on the other hand, usually affects the cheeks, forehead, and the area around your eyes and nose. It often feels like pressure or fullness in your face. When you bend forward or lie down, sinus pain may get worse because of changes in pressure within the sinus cavities.
What the Pain Feels Like
TMJ disorders create several types of discomfort. You might experience a dull ache that never quite goes away, or sharp pain when you open your mouth wide. Many people hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when they move their jaw. Your jaw might feel tired or tight, and you may have trouble opening your mouth fully. Teeth grinding can make TMJ symptoms worse, especially if it happens at night.
Sinus pain feels different. It creates a heavy, congested sensation in your face. The pressure may throb, especially during a sinus infection. You’ll probably notice other symptoms, too, like a runny or stuffy nose, thick mucus, a reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a fever. Your upper teeth might ache on both sides because the roots sit close to your sinus cavities.
When Symptoms Get Worse
Pay attention to what makes your pain worse. TMJ problems tend to flare up with jaw movement. Chewing tough foods, yawning, clenching your teeth, or stress can all trigger discomfort. Many people notice their symptoms are worse in the morning if they grind their teeth during sleep.
Sinus issues follow different patterns. Your pain may increase when you lean forward, lie down, or experience changes in air pressure, like during a flight. Allergies, colds, or weather changes often trigger sinus problems. If you’ve had a recent upper respiratory infection, sinus pain is more likely than TMJ pain.
Other Signs to Watch For
TMJ disorders come with symptoms beyond facial pain. These include:
- Jaw sounds: clicking, popping, or grating noises when you open or close your mouth, which may or may not be painful
- Limited movement: difficulty opening your jaw wide, or your jaw getting stuck in an open or closed position
- Bite changes: feeling like your teeth don’t fit together properly, or noticing your bite has shifted
- Ear symptoms: fullness, ringing, or pain in your ears without an actual ear infection
- Headaches: frequent tension headaches or migraines that seem to start near your temples or jaw
These symptoms help confirm a TMJ problem rather than a sinus issue.
Simple Tests You Can Try
A few simple checks at home can point you in the right direction. Press gently on your jaw joint, just in front of your ears. If this causes pain, TMJ is more likely. Try opening and closing your mouth slowly. Listen for clicking or popping sounds and notice if the movement feels smooth or if your jaw deviates to one side.
For sinus pain, tap lightly on your cheekbones and forehead. Tenderness in these areas suggests sinus inflammation. Lean forward and see if the pressure in your face increases. Check for nasal congestion or colored mucus, both clear signs of sinus problems.
Treatment at Marlen Elite Dental Wellness
When you choose Marlen Elite Dental Wellness for TMJ treatment, you receive care based on a thorough evaluation of your jaw, teeth, and bite. We use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Treatment options may include custom oral appliances to protect your teeth and relax your jaw muscles, physical therapy exercises, and lifestyle modifications to reduce jaw strain.
Our one-on-one approach means every appointment is dedicated entirely to you. We take the time to explain your diagnosis and walk you through your treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your care. With state-of-the-art technology and a focus on your overall wellness, we create solutions for lasting relief from TMJ pain. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you feel comfortable again.
