Jaw Pain
You may be surprised to hear that jaw pain is incredibly common among adults in the United States. There are many possible causes of chronic pain in the jaw. In fact, jaw pain can be a symptom of a more serious health issue. If you have jaw pain that has lasted for more than 24 hours, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Possible Causes of Jaw Pain
Here are some of the most common causes of jaw pain among US adults:
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding the teeth during sleep puts an excessive amount of pressure on the jaw. Grinding can also affect the muscles surrounding the jaw. If you regularly wake up with a sore jaw, you should have a conversation with your dentist. Your dentist will provide you information on treatment options, including devices that can help you stop grinding.
- Bad Bite: When teeth are not aligned properly it can cause jaw pain. When teeth alignment, referred to as the bite pattern, is off it can cause teeth to wear unevenly leading to jaw pain. Misaligned bite patterns can be treated with braces or a device designed to reshape the bite pattern. Once the bite pattern is treated the jaw pain will start to go away.
- Overuse: Even though it is often the source of a joke, it is possible to overuse the jaw. Excessive gum chewing or overuse habits can result in damage to the jaw and constant pain. Fortunately, overuse can be treated with rest.
- Infections: There are infections that can cause jaw pain. Sinus infections can create pressure in the sinus cavity. Ear infections can cause jaw pain because of the location of the ears. An infected tooth can also result in severe pain. If you have jaw pain and think you may have an infection you should seek immediate medical care as untreated infections can lead to more dangerous risks.
- Joint Diseases: Often the word “osteoarthritis” makes people think of pain in the knees or hips. In reality, osteoarthritis can set in to any joint in the body, including the jaw. If you talk with your dentist, they will help you determine if your jaw pain is due to arthritis or one of the many other possible causes.
- Heart condition: A dull constant pain in the lower left side of the jaw can be an indication of a heart problem. Similar to chest pains on the left side or in the left arm, pain in the lower left jaw may be the sign of a heart attack. If you are experiencing pain in your lower left jaw, especially if you have additional symptoms like shortness of breath or pain in your chest, you should seek immediate medical attention.
The most important takeaway is that jaw pain can be a symptom of a potentially serious medical condition. Jaw pain may be a sign of an infection, injury, or heart condition. A dentist can help you determine the cause of your pain and figure out the right treatment plan for you.