4 Dental Issues That Could Be Causing Jaw Pain

Written By Emma Sturgis / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Jaw pain may start as a mild throb on one of the mandibles before progressing to a full-blown ache in the oral cavity. Various issues, including a heart attack, may be the reason behind the discomfort. However, four dental issues happen to be the primary causes of jaw pain.

Periodontal abscess

Pus may collect at different parts of the teeth owing to bacterial infections. Periodontal abscess, pus that percolates at the tooth’s root, may result in pain in the gum, bone tissue, and jaw. It is possible to treat abscessed teeth by draining the pus. However, the infection may require having the tooth removed. If it comes to that, dentures or permanent dental implants may be great options to fill the gap left.

Teeth Grinding

Due to factors such as stress or crooked teeth, some individuals may clench their teeth, a condition called bruxism. Teeth grinding may also occur when one is unaware, especially when sleeping. Other than resulting in tooth fracture and headache, teeth grinding also lists among the causes of jaw pain.

Some of the solutions for bruxism include using gum shields and employing stress relievers. If severe, the condition may warrant Botox injections.

TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw and the skull. Numerous issues, such as physical injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, and bone tissue inflammation, may cause a TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Afterward, the affected person may experience intense jaw pain.

If not severe, mouth guards may efficiently avoid the pains associated with TMD. However, serious cases go as far as to require medication and surgeries.

Osteomyelitis

In case of a bone exposed to germs, probably due to physical injury, an infection may result. Osteomyelitis is the name of such a bone infection. It travels through the blood affecting any bone tissue in its vicinity. If it finds its way to the jaw, pain that makes it difficult to chew may follow.

As Osteomyelitis may originate from infected bones, its most common remedy is a surgical procedure to remove portions of the affected bone. Antibiotics may also accompany the surgery.

By visiting a dentist twice a year, most of the dental issues that result in uncomfortable jaw pains become avoidable. However, conditions like heart attacks may be the causative agents of jaw pain. Be sure to follow up on any pain in the jaw in a bid to determine its cause and explore viable treatment options.

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Written By:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com