Although brushing and flossing twice daily strengthens your teeth and gums to prevent potential oral emergencies, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop an urgent dental problem. For instance, you might develop a sore or inflamed jaw on one side that makes it uncomfortable to eat or speak.
Your ache can have several potential causes, and you’ll need your dentist’s help to identify and treat the underlying issue. Continue reading to learn about 3 common culprits known to cause this kind of pain and how they’re addressed!
Concern #1: Dental Problems
If you can’t see any obvious issues in your mouth causing your sore jaw, you might assume that it’s not related to your dental health. However, it’s possible to develop problems and not know it. For instance, gum disease starts small and is often unnoticeable in its early stages because it doesn’t exhibit symptoms, like receding gums, until it progresses. This can cause sensitivity or inflammation that causes your mouth to feel sore on one side.
Furthermore, you could have a cavity between two teeth where you can’t see it, or behind your molars. If tooth decay goes unaddressed, it can spread to your jawbone and cause the symptoms you’ve noticed. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays or other images as needed to identify the root cause and suggest appropriate treatments, like tooth-colored fillings or an emergency root canal.
Concern #2: TMJ Disorders
Your jawbone connects to your skull via two sliding disc joints, the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ. When they function correctly, they give your mouth a full range of motion. However, if you suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) or have a tooth or bite misalignment, they can become overworked and inflamed. This can cause discomfort in your face, jaw, and neck, wear down your enamel unevenly, and contribute to decay, disease, and other damage.
Your dentist can provide resolutions once they determine whether your aches are due to TMJ disorders. For instance, they can create a custom-fitted nightguard to shield your upper and lower arches from the force of subconsciously clenching at night, giving your joints enough of a reprieve to begin to heal.
Concern #3: Sinus Issues
You have several sinus cavities behind your cheeks, nose, and eyes that fill with congestion when you’re fighting off seasonal allergies or illness, like the common cold. The built-up fluid causes pressure pain, and the chambers are in such close proximity to your teeth and jaw. That means a sinus infection can also make your jaw feel tender or swollen.
Although this condition sometimes resolves after about 10 to 14 days, in many cases, antibiotics are required to clear the infection. If your dentist examines your condition and finds they’re not suited to address it, they’ll refer you to an appropriate physician, like an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
If your jaw hurts and you’re unsure why, contacting your dentist is an easy first step to getting some much-needed relief!
About the Practice
Patients at Sound Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists committed to helping families in New Bedford build and maintain healthy, happy smiles. With board-certified experts on staff, they can handle everything from basic preventive service to more complex treatments to preserve your oral health. They take the time to get to know you so they can tailor procedures to your unique needs. Plus, they reserve time for potential same-day emergency appointments and offer sedation so you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (508) 996-6777.