According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, jaw pain affects over 10 million Americans. However, the root cause of jaw pain stems from numerous causes you may not be familiar with. Jaw pain includes an uncomfortable, and sometimes, aching feeling while chewing, brushing, and even, talking. The most popular cause of jaw pain is TMD. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, is a common disorder that affects the joints that connect the jawbone to the skull, but there are other causes of jaw pain that are surprisingly unknown.
- Gum Disease
The infection of tissues and bones surrounding the teeth, or gum disease, is caused by poor oral health, diabetes, smoking, and more. Although gum disease doesn’t affect the jaw directly, pain can spread to these areas. Signs of gum disease include bad breath, pain when chewing, sensitive teeth, receding gums, bleeding teeth, and loose teeth.
- Untreated Cavities
The pain caused by a tooth with a cavity can lead to jaw pain when the infection spreads from the root of the tooth to the bone tissue. Regular dental checkups will help prevent cavities.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars at the back of the mouth that don’t have enough room to develop normally. They come in between the ages of 17 and 25 and can create problems for the jaw if they’re growing unusually. Untreated, impacted wisdom teeth leads to pain, swelling, and infection.
- Sinus Pain
Not necessarily a dental issue, sinus infections, allergies, and colds can be the cause of jaw pain. See your physician about relieving sinus and cold symptoms.
- Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, a common sleep problem, will cause tooth sensitivity and headaches, will lead to jaw pain, and will damage the teeth. Stress and anxiety is a trigger of teeth grinding when awake and is a factor of a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors. Visit your physician if you find yourself grinding your teeth.
For jaw pain that occurs on a regular basis, contact your dentist or doctor. There are many treatments available for you to help treat and diminish jaw pain. Your dentist can help determine where the pain is stemming from and your best option for treatment. Call C & C Dentistry today at 512.263.8900 and schedule an appointment today!