3 Common Causes of Jaw Pain

Are you experiencing jaw pain?

If so, you’re not alone. Around 12 percent of Americans experience TMJ disorders, which cause mild to severe jaw pain.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with jaw pain. There are many different treatment options out there that will make your pain manageable. Before you can start treating your jaw pain, you need to understand what’s causing it.

Keep reading to learn more about the main causes of jaw pain and what you can do to find some relief.

Three Common Causes of Jaw Pain

Many different things can cause jaw pain. But three of the most common jaw pain causes include:

1. Dental Issues

Issues with your teeth are one of the leading causes of jaw pain. Conditions like gum disease and cavities can lead to jaw pain and teeth that are cracked and crowded. Wisdom teeth or extremely crooked teeth also cause jaw pain.

To avoid this, make sure you’re getting a regular check-up with your dentist and maintain good dental hygiene.

2. Joint Problems

If you struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, it could be the cause of your jaw pain. This type of arthritis is known to impact your temporomandibular joints and cause them to swell, leading to pain and discomfort.

3. Injury or Trauma

Injuries and trauma are other common causes of discomfort in your jaw. If you’ve recently fallen or hit your jaw, you might have swelling or joint damage that is causing your pain.

Trauma could also be related to stress and anxiety. When you’re stressed out, you might clench your jaw, which puts pressure on your teeth and can lead to jaw pain. You might also grind your teeth at night, which puts even more stress on your jaw.

Common Jaw Pain Treatments

Your jaw pain treatment will largely depend on what’s causing your jaw pain. For immediate relief, try taking over-the-counter painkillers, massaging your jaw, or using a hot or cold compress and applying it to where you’re feeling the most pain.

For a long-term treatment plan, the best thing you can do is go to your dentist and tell them about your jaw pain and what you think the cause might be. Your doctor will be able to examine your jaw and develop a plan. To find a dentist, visit Babylon Dental Care.

Some common jaw pain treatments your dentist might try include:

• Treating a cavity, gum disease, or any other condition causing your jaw pain
• Fitting you for a nightguard to prevent jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Botox injections to relax the muscles around your jaw
• Jaw surgery for more serious conditions

Learn More About Managing and Treating Jaw Pain

You don’t have to live with jaw pain. Now that you know the most common causes of jaw pain talk to your dentist to develop a treatment plan. No jaw pain is the same, so you might have to try a few treatment options before finding the one that alleviates your pain.

For more information about the causes of jaw pain and the most common treatment plans, make sure you check out the rest of our website.