Do you sometimes feel pain in your jaw and wonder what’s causing it?
Jaw discomfort can be confusing and painful, but understanding it better can help you find the right solutions.
What Causes Jaw Discomfort?
Many people think jaw pain is only related to their teeth, but it can often be due to muscle spasms in the face or jaw.
This pain can sometimes feel like a migraine and might spread to areas like your forehead, around or behind your eyes, neck muscles, or the base of your skull. Jaw problems can be caused by grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep or stressful times. Jaw joint pain can also result from yawning, opening your mouth too wide, or an injury to the jaw.
Dental events like wisdom tooth removal or long dental visits can trigger jaw pain.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
Some common signs of jaw issues include clicking sounds when moving your jaw, difficulty opening your mouth wide, and even the jaw locking in place. These symptoms are often easy to spot during a dental exam.
During an examination, your dentist might feel the facial muscles for “knots” that are tender when pressed. Tooth pain, on the other hand, is usually more specific and doesn’t often spread to the jaw unless it’s a severe toothache.
A general dental examination, including X-rays, can help rule out teeth as the source of your pain. This step is important to make sure the treatment is targeted correctly.
Effective Treatment Options
If your discomfort is mild, resting your jaw can be very effective. Avoiding hard and chewy foods that stress the jaw joint, applying a heat pack to improve circulation, and gently massaging the affected areas can provide relief.
For mild to moderate cases, wearing a dental splint can protect the jaw joint.
It’s important to stay on top of chronic jaw problems, as they can lead to severe tooth wear without you realising it, causing teeth to become shorter over time. Managing short teeth can be complex and expensive if many teeth are involved.
Preventing Long-Term Problems
Prolonged jaw pain can lead to migraine-like symptoms that affect your daily life, causing lack of sleep, tiredness, general body weakness, and even visual impairment.
Addressing these symptoms early can prevent more severe problems.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to keep your jaw and teeth in good health.
Ready to Get Relief from Jaw Discomfort?
Jaw discomfort can be a major hindrance in your daily life, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the causes and symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment.
At Smile To Go, we have the expertise to diagnose and treat jaw discomfort. With over 28 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing total patient care, including after-hours emergency dental services.
If you’re ready to relieve your jaw discomfort and improve your quality of life, book an appointment with us today. Experience the comfort and confidence that comes with professional care.