Do you experience jaw pain? There could be many different reasons why, but we have narrowed down four of the most common causes.
Do you experience jaw pain? There could be many different reasons why, but we have narrowed down four of the most common causes. When it happens unexpectedly, you might not understand why it’s happening at all. Either that or you have a mild pain that inexplicably becomes much more intense. Before you can seek any treatment, though, you’ll have to figure out what the cause could be.
You Grind Your Teeth
One common cause of jaw pain is an unconscious habit. You might not even realize you grind your teeth. When you grind your teeth too often, you can cause irreparable damage to your teeth. You shouldn’t clench your jaw when you aren’t chewing your food, or do so when you feel particularly stressed, anxious, or upset. Unfortunately, it can also happen when you have no control over it, such as when you are asleep. If you don’t address your teeth grinding habit, you could cause more problems later on. We suggest healthier ways to relieve your stress or consider using a mouthguard when you go to sleep to protect your precious teeth enamel.
Infections
Another possible reason for your jaw pain is an infection. Infections hide in your blood, taking advantage of your body’s natural networks and pathways to travel and cause further anguish. One such infection is known as osteomyelitis, which affects both bones and the soft tissues around those bones, especially the jaw bones. Your temporomandibular joint, the TMJ, is affected by this infection, meaning you experience fever-like symptoms, jaw pain, and your face begins to swell. A course of antibiotics can cure this infection, but you might also need surgery to remove parts of the jaw bone that have already fallen victim to the osteomyelitis.
TMD
Although infections could attack your TMJ, you might also suffer from a disorder that affects the same joint. Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD for short, could be the source of your jaw pain. Have you noticed a strange clicking sound when you move or mouth or chew your food? It could be a sign of TMD.
Dental Problems
Sometimes, more mundane dental problems could cause your jaw pain. By ruling out other possible causes such as gum disease, cavities, or cracked teeth, you can use the process of elimination and determine if you have a more serious issue.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH AND JAW HEALTHY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE
Whether it’s regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to please our patients and to provide the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube!