What can jaw pain mean?
Is your jaw causing you discomfort or pain?
Jaw pain is a common dental issue. Mild cases usually don’t require treatment and go away on their own. However, some cases may persist and require immediate medical attention.
Jaw pain can radiate to nearby body parts, such as your ears, neck, and even your back. If the issue doesn’t seem to go away and only worsens over time, it may be best to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Possible jaw pain causes
Causes of jaw pain vary. Its exact cause is still unknown, but there are several factors that can lead to it. Here are some of them:
- Trauma or injury. Trauma or injury is one of the common causes of jaw pain. You may feel pain in your jaw area following an accident, a blow to your face, or even dental surgery. Possible treatments vary depending on the cause of your pain. If it’s due to a dental procedure, you might not require additional treatments but you need to recover fully for the discomfort to subside too.
- Teeth grinding or clenching. Teeth grinding or clenching is often linked to anxiety or stress. It can be difficult to diagnose as it usually happens during sleep. Grinding may cause you to feel pain on your face, head, ears, and jaw. It may also disrupt your sleep. Severe cases can result in premature wear and tear of your teeth or dental work.
- Dental problems. Dental issues, such as cavities and abscesses, can also cause jaw pain. You may also experience other symptoms such as increased sensitivity, dry mouth or bad breath, and tender gums. Severe cases may also cause fever. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, be sure to contact your dentist right away.
- Sinus issues. Infection in your nasal cavities may also cause pain in your jaw. Sinusitis can be attributed to viruses, allergies, and tooth infections. It may cause facial pain, pain in your head and ears, smelling difficulties, and fatigue. Mild cases last for a short time, but some cases can last for several weeks or even recur.
- Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder. The jaw is a complex system made of muscles, bones, and ligaments. It allows you to speak, chew, and bite. A healthy jaw should move without sound, pain, or issues. When the jaw joint becomes inflamed or any components of its system become misaligned, it can result in jaw pain. Temporomandibular joint diseases or TMD can happen to anyone. Several factors are linked to it, such as a bad bite, teeth grinding, and poor posture.
Jaw pain symptoms
Jaw pain symptoms vary depending on their causes. Here are some of the common signs of jaw pain.
- Reduced mobility
- Jaw locking
- Popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Ear and facial pain
- Headaches
- Facial swelling
Don’t ignore your jaw pain. See your dentist in Peace River, AB for an examination as soon as possible.
Relief for jaw pain
Here are some ways to help relieve jaw pain.
- Use warm or cold packs. Applying heat on the area may help relieve pain and stiffness, while an ice pack can help if there’s swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. While you’re yet to see the dentist, you may control the discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medications. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage and contact the dental office if the pain still persists.
- Change sleeping positions. Try switching sides if you’re used to a specific one. This may help provide relief overnight even if the cause isn’t specifically related to your sleeping position.
- Switch to a soft food diet. Avoid further pressure on your jaws. Stick to soft food, such as soup or pasta, in the meantime. It also helps to do away from hard, crunchy, and sticky food and to eat slowly.
- Manage stress. If your jaw pain is related to stress or anxiety, exercising and exploring meditation and relaxation techniques may help.
- Wear a mouthguard. If the jaw pain is due to teeth grinding or clenching, consult with your dentist about using a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth against damage.
When to see your dentist in Peace River, AB
Jaw pain isn’t usually serious. But if the discomfort doesn’t go away and keeps you from performing everyday activities, such as speaking, chewing, or eating, see your dentist immediately.
Take note of other symptoms, such as fever or swelling, as well as triggers. If the symptoms are severe, that can be a sign that you need immediate treatment.
To learn more about jaw pain and possible treatments, contact us at