Knowing When Your Jaw Pain is Serious
Posted on 10/15/2024 by Wheaton Oral Surgery |
 Jaw pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. Most of the time, jaw pain is caused by minor issues that can be easily treated. However, sometimes jaw pain can be a sign of a more serious problem. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of jaw pain and how to tell when your jaw pain is serious.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain
There are many different things that can cause jaw pain. Some of the most common causes include:
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking, and popping in the jaw. |
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Dental problems: Dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and impacted wisdom teeth can also cause jaw pain. |
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Sinus infections: Sinus infections can cause pain in the upper jaw and cheekbones. |
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Muscle tension: Muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders can also cause jaw pain. |
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Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can affect the jaw joint and cause pain. |
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, jaw pain is not serious and will go away on its own. However, you should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
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Severe pain that does not go away with over-the-counter pain medication |
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Swelling in the jaw or face |
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Difficulty opening or closing your mouth |
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Numbness or tingling in the jaw or face |
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A clicking or popping sound in the jaw that is new or getting worse |
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A change in the way your teeth fit together |
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment for Jaw Pain
The treatment for jaw pain will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your jaw pain is caused by a TMJ disorder, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medication, or a mouth guard. If your jaw pain is caused by a dental problem, you may need to see a dentist for treatment.
Oral Care and Restoration Dentistry
In addition to seeing a doctor if you have serious jaw pain, it is important to practice good oral care and see a dentist for regular checkups. Good oral care includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a healthy diet. Seeing a dentist for regular checkups can help to prevent dental problems that can cause jaw pain.
If you have missing or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry can help to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Restorative dentistry includes procedures such as dental implants, crowns, and bridges.
Conclusion
Jaw pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Most of the time, jaw pain is not serious and will go away on its own. However, you should see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. With proper treatment, you can find relief from jaw pain and get back to enjoying your life.
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