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There are several oral health issues that can lead to someone experiencing jaw pain. In this post, our Oakville dentists explain the possible causes of jaw pain and how you can help your sore joints.
What May Be Causing Your Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be due to a variety of dental issues including toothaches, TMJ Disorder, or possibly a more serious dental condition.
TMJ Disorders
One of the more common causes of jaw pain is TMJ Disorder. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (located just below your temple, in front of your ear). This TMJ plays a large role in your everyday life, allowing you to talk, breathe, and eat.
TMJ Disorders occur when there is an issue with your facial and jaw muscles. If TMJ Disorder is left alone and progresses to a more advanced stage, it can leave you unable to move the joint.
Causes of TMJ Disorders can include:
- Certain conditions or illnesses such as arthritis
- Inflammation in the muscles surrounding your jaw
- Misalignment of the jaw
- Injury to the jaw
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder may include:
- Pain or ache around your jaw, face, or ears
- Constant headaches
- Locking or popping in your jaw
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Ringing in ears
If you are at all concerned about your TMJ, see your dentist so they can suggest treatment or exercises. Sometimes, prescription drugs or surgery may be required to address the issue.
Diseases
Though we take many routine vaccines in childhood that have fortunately gotten rid of diseases, it’s still possible to get diseases that can cause jaw pain and other symptoms.
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can cause your jaw muscles to stiffen or feel tight. This serious condition can result in spending weeks in hospital.
Trauma
Just like other bones in your body, your jaw can become fractured or dislocated. After taking a blow to the jaw, you may experience:
- Loose or missing teeth
- Bruises
- Pain
- Swelling
Depending on the injury, you may need to see your dentist if the pain doesn’t go away, you are missing teeth or you’re unable to chew or open and close your mouth. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen may help, in addition to dental treatment if necessary.
Dental Issues
A variety of dental issues can lead to a sore jaw. These can include:
- Fractured or crowded teeth
- Toothache (typically with an abscess or cavity as the underlying cause)
- Teeth grinding
- Gum disease (which can cause your jaw bone to become damaged)
- Wisdom teeth erupting
- Misaligned teeth
The problems mentioned above should be addressed as soon as possible, and fractured teeth should see your dentist right away as they are considered a dental emergency. Until then, keep the tooth that hurts clean and try rinsing with warm water.
Cysts or Tumours
While they are not typically cancerous, odontogenic cysts or tumours can quickly begin to impact your teeth. It may be necessary to have them surgically removed.
Cluster Headaches
One of the most painful types of headache, cluster headaches can result in pain around or behind one eye, with pain radiating to reach the jaw.
Osteomyelitis
A type of infection that occurs in the bone, this condition can impact your mandible (lower jaw). Referred to as anaerobic osteomyelitis, it can cut off the blood supply to your jaw and damage bone tissue if left untreated.
How You Can Get Rid of Your Jaw Pain
At-Home Care
- Apply a warm, wet washcloth or ice pack covered in cloth to your jaw (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off)
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
- Rub the affected joint. Massage the joint using your fingers, pressing the sore areas of your jaw and moving to the side of your neck.
- Avoid caffeine (which can potentially contribute to muscle tension)
Dental Care
If your jaw pain persists after attempting at-home remedies, it is time to see your dentist.
At River Oaks Dental, our dentists will discuss your symptoms with you, complete a comprehensive oral examination, explain possible treatment options, and develop a custom treatment plan that may include a mouthguard or other measures depending on your needs.
In rare cases, oral surgery for TMJ Disorder may be recommended to correct the problem for those with severe pain that suffer from structural problems in their jaw and haven’t found relief with other remedies or treatments.