Jaw Pain

Jaw Pain
Your first thought when you are suffering from jaw pain may be to talk to the dentist about the possibility of a temporomandibular disorder diagnosis. TMD is the root cause of jaw pain for many people, but it is just one of many reasons your jaw is causing you pain. In fact, jaw pain can be a symptom of a more serious health condition like heart disease or untreated infections. If your jaw pain is persistent or becomes severe, be sure to reach out to the dentist to make an emergency appointment.

Teeth Grinding
If you are someone who suffers from bruxism or grinding your teeth while you sleep, the pressure from the repeated grinding action can leave you jaw sore in the morning. There are devices to use to help decrease the possible damage to your teeth and jaw muscles. The dentist can make a recommendation for you based on your specific case.

Bad Bite
If your teeth on your upper jaw do not properly align with the teeth on your lower jaw when they meet, then your jaw pain may come from the misalignment. The teeth will wear down unevenly and you will feel the discomfort in your jaw. Orthodontic treatments like braces help realign bad bites.

Overuse
Chatty people may be teased that they overuse their jaw, but some people actually experience pain from overuse. Habits like chewing gum for extended periods of time can make your jaw work too hard and feel sore.

Infections
Sinus infections, ear infections, and infected or abscessed teeth can create pain in the jaw area. All infections need medical attention, but these infections can create more problems based on where they are located in your body. Without treatment, infected teeth can lead to sepsis or even bone loss.

Joint Diseases
Typically, osteoarthritis brings to mind knee or hip pain for most people, but your jaw is a joint that is just as vulnerable to inflammation and deterioration over time. Be sure to talk to the dentist or doctor about your joint concerns and other symptoms. A medical professional can properly diagnose osteoarthritis.

Dull Pain In Your Left Lower Jaw
A sign of heart trouble is a dull constant pain in the lower left side of your jaw, but it is not the only reason for pain in that spot. It may seem startling or even dramatic, but pain in this area of your mouth is very important to address. Well-known symptoms of a heart attack are pain on the left side of the chest and pain in the left arm, but it is common, especially in women, to have pain in the lower left side of the jaw as well.

Other Reasons
The most common reasons for jaw pain are listed above, but it is not a complete list. Problems like stress can cause facial muscle strain and jaw pain. Allergic reactions can create pain and discomfort in the jaw. Even colds and the flu can bring about jaw pain, but only a medical professional can diagnose the root cause of your discomfort.