Jaw pain can stem from a variety of causes and conditions. While often not severe, understanding the underlying cause at the root of your jaw pain is vital to eliminate it as soon as possible. Some people believe that their jaw pains are caused by stress or an injury; however, this isn’t always the case. Suppose you suffer from severe pain in your jaw. In that case, it’s essential to see a doctor specializing in jaw pain in Fair Oaks for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible because this could potentially be a sign of a more severe condition.
In this article, we look at some of the most common causes of jaw pain.
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Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular disorder is the most common cause of jaw pain. If you suffer from TMD, you experience a range of symptoms related to your jaw joints and muscles, including persistent jaw pain, clicking, popping, and restricted jaw movement. Severe cases of TMD can lead to pain in your ear or neck that radiates into your head and facial regions.
The exact cause of TMD isn’t clear, but it’s thought to result from a combination of factors, including muscle tension and malocclusion (improper bite). Jaw pain caused by TMD usually has a gradual onset and may worsen over time, although this differs from case to case. As you can see, jaw pain is often not severe and can be treated without too much hassle; however, it’s vital to get the correct diagnosis if you want to treat your jaw pain effectively.
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Teeth Grinding
It’s estimated that 5% of adults grind their teeth at night, with the condition becoming more prevalent among people who are stressed or suffer from anxiety. Teeth grinding (or bruxism) can lead to many dental problems, including the wearing down of the enamel on your teeth and damage to your bite. Teeth grinding is often caused by another medical condition you may not even realize you’re suffering from; it’s vital to get checked out by your dentist if you suspect it might be behind your jaw pain.
If you suffer from chronic jaw pain caused by teeth grinding, it’s crucial to take measures to stop your teeth from grinding at night as soon as possible.
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Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is a common cause of chronic jaw pain. Tooth decay can lead to the formation of an abscess which means that the root canal contains pus instead of healthy, living tissue. An abscessed tooth often causes swelling around your jaw and cheekbone regions as well as pain in your gum or face. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can spread to other areas of your mouth and face. The best way to treat an abscessed tooth is to take immediate action; this means seeing the dentist within 24 hours if possible. The earlier you get treatment for an abscessed tooth, the better your outcome.
To summarize, jaw pain is often not severe, but you need to understand the underlying cause for effective treatment. Some of the most common causes of jaw pain include abscessed teeth, temporomandibular disorder, and teeth grinding. In most cases, early treatment is vital, so you need to schedule an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible.