Jaw pain refers to discomfort or pain in the jaw area, which includes the lower jaw, jaw bone, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and surrounding soft tissues. The jaw joint is responsible for bringing the lower and upper jaws together by connecting the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull.
Discomfort in the jaw can arise quickly or gradually, depending on the underlying cause. It could be a subtle ache or something so severe that you can’t open your mouth to eat. As with trigeminal neuralgia, jaw pain can be induced by various actions such as eating, swallowing, or even touching the jaw area. In this blog, we have listed a few leading causes of jaw pain. We will further discuss why you should treat them as early as possible.
Temporomandibular Joint Disease
Temporomandibular joint disease (TMD), usually referred to as TMJ, is one of the most common causes of jaw pain. This condition has an adverse effect on the joints that link your jawbone to your skull. A large proportion of people suffer from TMD and are utterly unaware of it. This is frequently the case when the condition is not severe and merely causes pain on occasion. If you believe you have jaw pain due to TMD, you should schedule an appointment with our specialists.
It is essential to visit a dental clinic and obtain early treatment because TMD/TMJ can be caused by teeth grinding, which can completely damage your teeth over time and in difficult situations. Untreated severe cases may necessitate the use of a full set of veneers. You should also be aware that TMJ/TMD can affect more than just your jaw; it can also cause headaches, neck pain, and, in severe cases, pain up and down one’s shoulders.
Dental Cavities and Gum Diseases
While not the most evident cause of jaw discomfort, Cavities can certainly progress to the point of causing jaw pain. When a cavity deteriorates to the point that the tooth root becomes infected, it can cause jaw pain. If left untreated, this infection can extend to tissues in the jawbone, causing significant discomfort. To avoid this, keep up with your dental check-ups and consult with our specialist to prevent a cavity from growing.
Periodontitis, often known as gum disease, can cause jaw pain. Like an untreated cavity, Gum tissue becomes infected with gum disease, which spreads and causes mild to severe jaw pain. In this kind of situation, it is essential to visit a periodontist regularly to monitor the condition of your gums. In addition, it is critical to treat gum disease as soon as possible if you begin to develop any symptoms because when the condition gets worse, it will result in severe pain.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are another possible source of jaw pain. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and they might cause jaw pain if they disrupt your teeth’ alignment or put too much strain on your jaw. Your wisdom teeth may be appearing if you are between these ages and feel what appears to be a new tooth pushing through the very back region of your gums. If you have any concerns about your wisdom tooth, the best thing to do is get clarification from an experienced dentist.
You might attempt several home remedies to ease jaw discomfort in addition to visiting with a dentist. This will assist in the short term, but you’ll need to seek professional medical attention to find long-lasting comfort and address the underlying reason. We at American Dental Clinic are here to help you with any inquiries about jaw discomfort and how to treat it.
