Jaw Pain

A severe pain hitting either side of your jaw is an alarming situation; it can range from dull aches to sharp, stabbing sensations each time you make use of the jaw while eating or speaking. It may also spread to other regions of the face. While jaw pain isn’t an immediate concern, it does book you for a visit to your local dentist in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, at Rapha Dental.

If your jaw pain persists on one side, it’s likely to be an oral health concern triggered due to an abscessed tooth, cavities, wisdom tooth growth, gum diseases, misaligned teeth, tooth decay, or tooth grinding.

If you experience bad breath, difficulty swallowing, pain while chewing, persistent dry mouth, sores in the mouth, tooth sensitivity, or tooth pain; compromised dental health is to be blamed. More severe symptoms include fever and facial swelling alongside the pain, which may make swallowing and breathing difficult — hence, it must be reported immediately.

Note: Other sources that are likely to cause pain in the jaws:

• Temporomandibular Jointdisorders cause the misalignment of the disc that affects the connection between the skull and the jaw, resulting in tenderness around the jaw.
• Sinusitisis the inflammation of nasal cavities that results in pain on either or both sides of the jaw.
• Trigeminal Neuralgiais a chronic condition developed as a result of abnormal pressure on the trigeminal nerve that restricts proper function, leading to stabbing pains.
• Osteomyelitisis a serious bone infection that develops as a result of bacterial entering the jawbone after surgery.

Cysts and Tumors can also impact oral health by destroying the tissue and bone in the mouth and causing the teeth to lose alignment.

Mild pain in the jaw may not require immediate treatment. While you’re waiting for your appointment, you can try using a cold compress to numb the pain and reduce inflammation or a hot pack if you’re looking to ease the ache and stiffness. Refrain from foods that require chewing excessively to avoid overworking your muscles — likewise, if you’re habitual of clenching or grinding your teeth, you want to practice relaxation techniques to relax your muscles and relieve the pain. Alternatively, you can make use of over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the pain temporarily. However, it’s best to consult a dentist at your earliest, rather than self-medicate. Get in touch with us today!