From a nagging feeling to a more severe problem, jaw pain can cause discomfort and even a grueling experience in everyday life. There are a variety of issues that can lead to jaw pain, and discovering the root cause is the first step to treating it. While sometimes the mild aching is temporary and goes away, other times you may be noticing the first signs of a dental problem.
Common Dental-Related Causes of Jaw Pain
TMJ Disorders
Often referred to as TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has a negative effect on the joints connecting your skull and jawbone. Many go through their daily life without knowing they have a TMD disorder because the pain is milder and not constant. TMD can be caused by an array of factors including a jaw injury, chronic teeth grinding, arthritis and more.
Grinding Teeth
Teeth grinding is an extremely common cause of jaw pain. People may grind their teeth when they are upset, and some may do it while sleeping without realizing it. One strategy to avoid grinding is to reduce stress or to wear a mouthguard at night.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis, often known as gum disease, can cause jaw pain. Gum tissue, like an untreated cavity, becomes infected with gum disease, which spreads and causes mild to severe jaw pain. It is critical to visit Beall Dental Center regularly to monitor the condition of your gums. It is critical to treat periodontitis as soon as possible if you begin to develop any symptoms.
Untreated Cavities
Cavities, while not the most evident cause of jaw discomfort, 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.
If you’re experiencing any sort of jaw pain and need help with the discomfort, contact Beall Dental Center. We will work to get to the source of your pain. Schedule your appointment today!
