Jaw Disorders and Discomforts: Why You Might Be Feeling Pain
Dec 06, 2016
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We use our mouths for a number of important things throughout the day, like chewing and communicating. When jaw pain occurs, it can be incapacitating and makes these activities almost unbearable due to the pain or inflammation in the jaw...
We use our mouths for a number of important things throughout the day, like chewing and communicating. When jaw pain occurs, it can be incapacitating and makes these activities almost unbearable due to the pain or inflammation in the jaw. There are many reasons why jaw pain can occur, and sometimes it can come unexpectedly with little warning. In order to successfully treat the problem, the source of the pain must be identified. At Beaufils Dental in Cooper City, Dr. Lloyd Beaufils can perform state of the art x-rays with our 3D Dental Imaging technology.
Types of Jaw Pains and What They Might Mean
Teeth Grinding
A condition known as bruxism, teeth grinding is one of the top causes of jaw pain. In addition to causing damage to your teeth, grinding and clenching can cause toothaches, jaw pains, and headaches. In many cases, patients grind unknowingly, often as a nervous habit or in their sleep. Treating bruxism can be fairly simple, but if left untreated it can lead to more serious oral health problems.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis impacts the bones and tissues in the body via an infection within the patient’s blood stream. In cases of dental osteomyelitis, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is affected and can cause swelling, pain, and even fever. To treat osteomyelitis, the patient may need antibiotics in combination with a dental surgery to remove the decayed bone area.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
This disorder is often incorrectly referred to as TMJ, for the joint within the jaw that it affects. Symptoms of TMD are typically clicking, popping, or similar noises when chewing or opening the mouth. However, in severe cases, severe pain and discomfort can occur.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed occurs in an area that has become infected. In the mouth, an abscessed tooth is the result of infected dental pulp. Typically this occurs when a dental cavity has to be exposed to bacteria and left untreated for too long. If the bacteria spreads to the surrounding tissue, it can cause significant jaw pain in the patient, as well as lead to other more severe dental issues.
Dental Conditions
Other dental health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and receding gums can also cause pain and soreness within the mouth. Orthodontic procedures such as braces or implants can also cause pain to the patient, but this is a normal side effect. Practicing good oral habits can help to prevent these issues from occurring. Be sure to talk to your dentist about any pains you may be experiencing!
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Even if you are just experiencing mild jaw pain, it could be a sign of another underlying oral issue. Talk to the dentist about any aches or pains that develop in your mouth. Beaufils Dental even offers emergency dental assistance after hours for patients who are in a debilitating amount of pain. We also offer consultations to patients in Cooper City during regular office hours. To schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 954-252-1390.