What causes jaw pain?
There are many potential causes of jaw pain. Dr. Farzaneh can perform diagnostic tests like 3D X-rays to determine what structural issues or dental problems might be causing your discomfort. Some of the most common causes of jaw pain include:
- Injury: trauma or accidents that cause damage to the jaw, face, or neck
- TMJ: temporomandibular joint disorder; associated with teeth grinding, clenching, and popping noises in the jaw
- Infection: periodontal disease or osteomyelitis, which can affect the bones and tissue of the teeth
- Arthritis: chronic inflammation in the jaw joint or surrounding areas
- Headaches: tension headaches or migraines, often caused by stress
In other cases, jaw pain may indicate cancer or some other type of severe medical condition.
What are the symptoms of jaw pain?
The symptoms of jaw pain may show up differently from one person to the next, and they might vary depending on the cause. Some of the most common symptoms associated with jaw pain are:
- Discomfort that worsens when chewing or talking
- Clicking or popping noises in the jaw
- Inability to open or close the mouth fully
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Facial swelling
- Ringing in the ears
Some people might also experience toothaches, nerve sensitivity, or pressure behind the eyes.
How is jaw pain treated?
Treatment for jaw pain depends on the cause. Based on your symptoms and your health history, Dr. Farzaneh and his team may recommend:
- Medication: antibiotics or antiviral drugs for infection, steroid injections to decrease inflammation, or muscle relaxants
- Surgery: to remove damaged bone or repair an affected nerve
- Dental appliance: a mouth guard to prevent grinding
- Biopsy: to rule out different types of oral or bone cancer
If you have an infection or bacteria that is causing jaw pain, Dr. Farzaneh may need to extract a tooth or perform a root canal procedure.
How can I prevent jaw pain?
You can protect your jaw health by small tweaks to your lifestyle. Some ways to prevent jaw pain include:
- Avoid chewing hard foods like nuts or ice
- Maintain correct posture
- Minimize stress-related teeth grinding
- Maintain regular dental appointments
If you have chronic or acute jaw pain and want fast relief, call Dr. Farzaneh and his team today or schedule a consultation online.
