Jaw Pain
Several causes can lead to jaw pain or discomfort, including:
- Poor oral health, such as cavities, gum disease, and decayed teeth. Jaw pain may occur with advanced gum disease. Although gum disease might not directly cause jaw pain, an infected gum and tooth resulting from a cavity can radiate pain to the jaw.
- Abscessed teeth, where an infection damages the pulp. If left untreated, the infection can harm the tooth nerve, eventually reaching the bone and causing jaw pain.
- Trauma to the jaw due to injury.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism).
- TMJ disorders.
- Excessive chewing of gum, biting on pens and pencils, and chewing fingernails.
Other causes include:
- Osteomyelitis (infection of bones and tissue), which can also afflict the jaw and result in swelling of the face, facial pain, and temperature.
- Problems such as arthritis (and other inflammatory conditions of the joints, which also affect the jaw) and trigeminal neuralgia (pain caused by a facial nerve that can radiate to the jaw).
- Stress, which leads to greater teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw.
- Eruption of wisdom teeth.
Do You Have a TMJ problem?
Jaw pain can derive from a problem with your temporomandibular joints. You may have noticed difficulty opening and closing your mouth, or there are clicking or popping sounds.
The TMJs are two joints. These are important joints as they connect the top jaw to the bottom jaw. Without these joints, you would be inhibited in your talking, eating and essentially all jaw movement. You may experience pain in your upper back, ear or neck or even suffer from headaches. The jaw may feel like its locked and cannot move.
Understanding TMJ
If you are experiencing problems with your TMJ you may have what is known as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD, TMJ disorder or TMJD. This occurs when the function of your jaw is limited. The restricted movement of the jaw may also be accompanied by mild to severe pain in the neck, ear, jaw or discomfort in other areas of the face.
TMJD may arise for a number of reasons including:
- injury or trauma to the jaw, face and mouth
- changes to your bite due to the use of dentures or having certain dental treatment such as fillings or crowns
- having an uneven bite or 'malocclusal'of the jaw
Muscle spasms may result where there is malocclusion. This is because the jaw muscles over compensates for the poor positioning of the jaw. In addition, the over reliance on the muscles means they are overworked, sore and more prone to spasm. Consequently, this can manifest as headaches or pain in the neck, shoulders, sinuses, and behind the eyes.
Treatment Options for A Sore Jaw
Various treatment options exist for TMJD, which can be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. These include:
- Specialised Orthodontics: This involves correcting an uneven bite and aligning the teeth, which may help realign the jaw.
- Adjusting Dental Work: Modifying the length of fillings or crowns that contribute to an uneven bite.
- Referral to Specialists: Depending on the severity and nature of TMJD, your dentist may refer you to either an oral surgeon or a TMJ specialist for specialised care.
If your jaw pain is due to teeth clenching (bruxism), trying relaxation techniques or gentle exercises might help. A nightguard or mouthguard may also assist in stopping teeth clenching or grinding.
For jaw noises like clicking or grating, or if your jaw locks, it's best to see a specialist. Persistent jaw pain over time should be thoroughly investigated.
Discovering the cause of your jaw pain might be quick or take some time, and it often requires the expertise of a specialist. With support from your GP, dental practitioner, and specialist, you can better understand your jaw pain, explore suitable treatments for your unique situation, and make informed decisions for your well-being.
