Why does my jaw hurt?
Pain in one body part can also affect the rest of your body. If the pain occurs where it usually doesn’t, it’s understandable to feel concerned.
The jaw is among those body parts you don’t think about until it hurts, so you might think it may be serious.
Jaw pain can occur on one side or both sides of the face and reach other facial structures. Often, it doesn’t require immediate medical attention. But there are cases when it does need urgent treatments.
If the jaw pain is mild and subsided immediately, you most likely don’t need to worry. But if the pain keeps coming back, worsening over time, and radiates to other body parts, don't ignore it.
See your dentist as soon as possible for an examination and diagnosis. Let’s talk about possible reasons your jaw hurts.
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TMJ disorders
The temporomandibular joint is a complex system that allows you to move your mouth. If the joint becomes damaged or the disc gets displaced, you may experience pain in your jaw area.
The pain can come with popping sounds when you open or close your mouth. The discomfort can also affect your ears.
TMJ problems can be attributed to various factors, making them challenging to diagnose. They're also linked to teeth grinding, jaw injury, and arthritis, among many others.
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Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism is among the common causes of jaw pain. Your jaw pain may be due to teeth grinding if you only feel it in the morning after waking up.
Grinding causes the teeth to do something outside of their original function. The teeth come in contact with each other during eating, but they should be separate when at rest.
The opposite happens when you have bruxism, and this can cause stress to the jaw joint and facial muscles. Sometimes, teeth clenching also occurs during the day due to stress.
Making lifestyle changes and wearing a custom oral appliance can help reduce teeth grinding.
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Dental problems
The jaw can also feel sore due to dental concerns.
Cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, gum disease, and misaligned teeth can contribute to jaw pain. Seeing other symptoms is possible if the cause is related to oral health issues.
For instance, you may also notice bleeding or sensitive gums, mouth sores, pain when chewing, and heightened tooth sensitivity.
See your dentist as soon as possible, especially if you experience fever and breathing difficulties.
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Sinusitis
Sinus infection can also trigger jaw pain. Sinuses are located between the eyes. They’re hollow spaces that produce mucus and keep the inside part of the nose moist.
Sinuses are filled with air. If they become swollen and inflamed, the discomfort can also radiate to the jaw. This, in turn, can result in headaches and jaw pain.
If you’re prone to allergies, your sinuses may be causing jaw discomfort. Stuffy and clogged sinuses can make you breathe through the mouth and strain the jaw further.
See Your Dentist in Peace River, AB for a Proper Jaw Pain Diagnosis
If your jaw hurts and you suspect it may be related to dental conditions or TMJ disorders, see your dentist in Peace River, AB, for a check-up and examination.
Seeking professional help allows you to rule out other possible underlying conditions. Here at Wing Dental, we accommodate patients with jaw pain and TMJ disorders.
We help you find minimally invasive solutions that fit your lifestyle and work with you in customizing treatment plans.
Contact us today at