From talking to smiling, eating, and sleeping, jaw pain can impact your life and overall well-being. The pain and anguish resulting from jaw pain can make you wonder what exactly causes it and how to prevent it. However, there’s no straight answer to why people experience jaw pains. Read on.
Possible Factors That May Cause Jaw Pain
This post aims to help you to understand better the leading causes and its treatment options:
1. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ Or TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when the joints in your jaw function improperly. This can create symptoms like pain, locks, aches, and hear grinding sounds when opening your mouth. Several factors can cause TMJ, including:
- Injury to the jaw joint
- Pain from muscles that control jaw movement
- Arthritis of the disc that cushions jaw joints
- Excessive stimulation of jaw joints
- Displacement of the disc that cushions the jaw joint movement
We recommend visiting a dentist immediately if you think you’re experiencing TMJ for the best treatment.
2. Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bacterial or fungal infection that attacks the bones and travels through the bloodstream to nearby tissues. If this infection reaches your jaw bones, it can affect the TMJ and cause pain, swelling, and fever. Fortunately, you can treat osteomyelitis with a series of antibiotics and visit the dentist.
3. Untreated Cavities
Although it might not be an obvious reason, cavities can progress and certainly result in jaw pain if left untreated. As the infected tooth deteriorates, the infection can spread to tissues in your jawbone and cause severe pain if untreated. Maintaining regular dental checkups can help detect and treat cavities early.
4. Dislocated Jaw
A dislocated jaw can also cause severe pain, making it difficult to open or close your mouth. This can signify that your lower jaw is out of alignment with your upper jaw and can result from a sporting injury or car crash. Even opening your mouth too wide can cause your jaw to dislocate. A dentist can examine your jaw and recommend the best possible treatment for your dislocated jaw.
5. Bruxism (Grinding or Clenching Teeth)
Bruxism is an involuntary condition where you clench your jaws together or grind your teeth whenever you feel stressed or when sleeping. This can significantly strain your jaw joints and cause severe pain in your teeth and jaws. We recommend consulting a dentist for a closer inspection if you suspect you have bruxism.
While occasional jaw pain isn’t something to worry about, experiencing it regularly could signify deeper underlying dental issues. Contact us today at Westmoreland Dental Group or schedule an appointment for the best quality dental care.