Persistent pain in your lower or upper jaw should never be ignored. You need to consult your oral surgeon or local dentist in Richmond Hill immediately if you are suffering from constant jaw pain. They will ask you a few questions to better understand the cause of the pain, and provide effective treatment options.
You will need to undergo thorough examinations to diagnose the condition, and pave the way for a suitable treatment plan. There are many reasons for jaw pain that have been covered in family dentistry, and some can be very serious (e.g. jaw pain as a sign of breast cancer). You will not know the cause unless you go for an evaluation.
TMJ disorders
The temporomandibular joint is a joint in the jaw that can experience trauma or injury causing significant pain. With TMJ disorder, one of the telltale signs is a clicking sound when opening your mouth or chewing food. TMJ disorders need to be treated immediately because, if left untreated, they can cause the jaw to remain stuck in one position.
Dental issues
Jaw pain may also be the result of gum disease or cavities. Even though these conditions do not affect the jaw area, they can still cause pain that radiates to the jaws. People who have severely damaged teeth or infected gums may experience jaw pain, especially when chewing or biting food. It’s important to practice good oral hygiene to lower your risk of developing a periodontal disease.
Abscessed tooth
A dental abscess, treated using quick and effective family dentistry procedures, can also cause jaw pain. The abscess forms when the nerve or pulp is infected. An abscess builds up when a tooth is infected but goes untreated for too long. The bacteria quickly spreads from the roots to the tooth, and it can even negatively impact the bone tissue. When the infection gets to the bone tissue, it is likely to cause pain in the upper or lower jaw. Going for regular dental checkups is an excellent way to prevent this kind of jaw pain.
Teeth grinding
Individuals who have a habit of grinding their teeth also have a high risk of experiencing jaw pain. When grinding teeth, you place a lot of pressure on the jaws which may lead to pain. The habit of clenching teeth is not only disturbing, but also damaging to your teeth. You may end up with receding gums or changing the structure of the teeth making them prone to infections. If you often clench your teeth, ask your dentist to recommend a suitable mouth guard to mitigate this habit.
Osteomyelitis of the jaw
This is a serious infection that travels through the bloodstream causing pain and fever. Some people will experience serious TMJ disorders as a result of this infection. When identified early, osteomyelitis is very easy to treat. Your dental office in Richmond Hill may prescribe a series of antibiotics to clear the infection. In severe cases, the areas of the bone that have been infected may need to be surgically removed to stop the jaw pain, fever and swelling.
Curious about other underlying issues related to your oral health? Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Health to get the answers you’re looking for.
