What is the Reason for Jaw Pain
The joint that connects your lower jaw to the upper jaw and allows you to open and close your mouth is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders can be very painful for the patient and have quite a number of factors that come into play including:
* Arthritis
* Heart disease
* Heavy chewing
* Impacted teeth
* Malocclusion (a bad bite)
* Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
* Stress (which often accompanies bruxism)
* Tumors or cysts
* Facial trauma
* Tooth infection
* Sinus infection
What are the symptoms related to TMJ problems?
Jaw related discomfort can be persistent or intermittent pain and can be either sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing. If you experience sudden jaw pain brought on by eating something very hard, that pain will likely subside on its own and will not require a visit to the dentist. However, throbbing pain that persists for more than one or two days needs to be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible.
Jaw pain can radiate to other areas so be mindful of discomfort in your ears or behind your eyes, frequent headaches, swelling in the lymph nodes or face, painful chewing or speaking, and of course, a locking jaw.
A severe toothache or an impacted tooth can cause pain to radiate up into your jaw on the side of your face with the affected tooth. Jaw pain can also spread up to your ears or down into your neck, causing inflammation and additional pain. Inflammation around your neck can make actions uncomfortable, like simply turning your head.
A popping or clicking around the temporomandibular joint may be a sign of a TMJ disorder and should be evaluated by your dentist who can refer you for treatment by a physical therapist or pain clinic.
Can I treat jaw pain at home?
Keep in mind that home remedies are a temporary fix and if you are experiencing persistent or severe jaw pain, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis or referral.
Jaw pain should be treated like a sprained ankle, time and rest, do not try to “work it out” like you would a sore muscle after exercise. Depending on the reason for your jaw pain, you may be able to treat some of your symptoms at home. Jaw pain resulting from an accident or injury can be eased with an ice pack applied to the site of the pain. Over-the-counter pain medications with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate your discomfort.
Chronic jaw pain possibly brought on by stress may be relieved by reducing your intake of caffeine and wearing a night guard when you sleep to help relieve some of the tension applied to your jaw while you sleep. You might also consider calming techniques such as meditation and yoga before bed to reduce daily stress levels regularly.
If jaw pain lasts more than a day or two, or if the pain is severe, reach out to your dentist for an evaluation to prevent further discomfort and possible long-term damage.