If you have ever had jaw discomfort, you understand how big of an impact it can have on your everyday life, from talking and smiling to eating and sleeping. Though it is entirely natural to have jaw aches now and then, chronic jaw pain in Fair Oaks necessitates a visit to a dental specialist. A range of factors could result in jaw pain, including some that are not within your jaw. At Madison Family Dental Group, Shiva Salehi, DDS, and her expert staff can assist you in determining the inherent reason for your jaw pain and establishing the appropriate care plan for you. Arrange an appointment today to learn more. For the time being, Dr. Salehi will take you through some of the most common causes of jaw pain. Check out this post to find out more.
1) TMJ or TMD
Temporomandibular joint disease (TMD), commonly known as TMJ, is one of the most likely reasons for jaw pain. This condition hurts the joints that link your skull to your jawbone. Unbelievably, a large proportion of people suffer from TMD and are utterly unaware of it, especially when the discomfort is periodic. Additionally, TMJ may not only impact your jaw but could also result in headaches, neck pain, and, in severe cases, radiating pain in the shoulders.
2) Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is another common reason for an aching jaw. It is typically undetected since it occurs primarily at night while sleeping. It can, nevertheless, happen when you are awake, especially because of anxiety and stress. Other causes of teeth grinding include misaligned teeth, Parkinson’s disease, and side effects of medications.
3) Unaddressed Cavities
While not the most evident cause of jaw discomfort, cavities could develop to the point of causing jaw pain. Whenever a cavity develops to the point that the tooth root gets infected and remains unaddressed, this infection may extend to tissues in the jawbone, causing significant discomfort.
4) Gum Disease
Periodontitis, often referred to as gum disease, could trigger jaw pain. Similar to an uncorrected cavity, the gum tissue becomes infected with gum disease, thus, developing into mild to serious jaw pain. If you begin to develop any symptoms, it is critical to address gum disease promptly.
5) Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are another possible source of jaw pain. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and they might trigger jaw pain if they disrupt your teeth arrangement or put too much strain on your jaw. If you fall under this age category and experience what appears to be a new tooth pressing through the very rear region of your gums, it might be your wisdom teeth emerging.
Serious jaw pain can be a huge problem, particularly if it interferes with your capability to eat and speak. However, determining the source of the pain can be tricky because it could be due to a jaw problem or something else altogether. Luckily, Dr. Salehi and her Madison Family Dental Group team can help. Whether you are suffering recurrent or serious jaw discomfort, these dental specialists can help figure out what is causing your jaw discomfort and design techniques to alleviate or avoid it in the future. Call the Fair Oaks, CA office or use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment today to explore your care options.
