You may have experienced it at some point in time. The never-ending jaw pain affects your ability to eat and speak while spreading to other parts of the face, making your head want to explode. The pain can be caused by damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the jaw, infections, or even physical injuries.
The pain might eventually fade away after taking painkillers, but in other cases, special medical attention may be needed to establish the root cause of the problem.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Knowing the cause of the pain helps determine whether it’s an infection or an injury and how it can be alleviated.
- Trauma. This refers to physical damage inflicted to the jaw, causing either a broken or dislocated jaw. Dental surgeries can also cause excruciating pain before you completely heal.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMJ is brought about when the disc separating the hinge joints of either side of the jaw becomes misaligned or damaged. Its symptoms include jaw tenderness, as well as head and earache. Arthritis is also known to play a part in TMJ disorders, which can cause the smooth part between the joints and eventually the bones themselves to wear away.
- Sinusitis. This is the infection of the nasal cavities. This tends to occur after a cold when the sinuses are still sensitive and inflamed.
- Dental Issues. Infection to the gum and severe tooth infection caused by cavities can also lead to pain in the jaw. A cracked tooth may cause sharp pain triggered by biting or eating.
- Teeth Grinding. Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding can lead to jaw pain. Most people grind their teeth when anxious, stressed, or unknowingly while sleeping.
The above-outlined causes are the most common ones but are not exhaustive. It is advisable to seek a proper diagnosis from a certified dentist.
At the Westmoreland Dental Group, our patient’s dental health is our priority. Our team of professional dentists and supporting staff is ready to cater to all your dental problems. Contact us to book your dental check-up and correction.