The Cornerstones of Jaw Pain

Are you suffering from jaw pain? The truth is that most adults suffer from chronic jaw and facial pain. Because our jaws are used so often, we tend to forget them altogether and do not realize how crucial they are to our health. Thus, it is important to make sure you keep your jaw safe at all times.

Due to the complex nature of your jaw, you can experience symptoms all over your facial area including in and around the ear, within the jaw itself, pain associated with headaches, or issues and problems when biting into foods. Possible causes of jaw pain include sinus irregularities, toothaches, arthritis, tooth grinding, infections, TMJ disorders and periodontal disease. If you suffer from any of these ailments, it is important to visit your dentist for treatments.

Depending on the source of your facial pain associated with your jaw, your dentist can help find the appropriate treatment. Jaw pain treatments include mouth protectors, exercises to strengthen or repair your jaw, muscle relaxants in the form of medications or meditative therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, root canal therapies, or tooth extractions.

Could Your Jaw Pain Be a TMJ Problem?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull, and you use them every time you talk, chew, or yawn. When these joints or the muscles around them become irritated, you may notice clicking or popping when you open your mouth, a jaw that catches or locks, tenderness in front of your ears, or aching that spreads to your temples and neck. Some patients also describe a feeling of fullness in the ear or a bite that suddenly feels "off."

How to Ease Jaw Pain at Home

Gentle self-care can bring short-term relief from mild jaw discomfort. Choose softer foods such as soup, eggs, and yogurt, and skip chewy or crunchy items like bagels, jerky, and raw carrots. Cut food into small pieces, avoid chewing gum, and try not to open your mouth very wide when you yawn. A warm, damp towel held against the sore side for several minutes can help tight muscles relax. It also helps to rest your jaw in a neutral position during the day, with your lips together, your teeth slightly apart, and your tongue resting gently on the roof of your mouth. Home care is meant to keep you comfortable, not to replace a diagnosis.

How We Find the Source of Your Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can come from the joint, the surrounding muscles, a problem tooth, or even the sinuses, so an exam is the fastest way to sort out the cause. Our dentists will ask about your symptoms, watch how your jaw opens and closes, check the muscles for tenderness, evaluate your bite, and take X-rays when needed to look for dental problems. Once we know what is behind your discomfort, we can recommend a plan that fits you. You can read more about TMJ treatment, or contact our Louisa office or Glen Allen office to schedule an exam.

When Jaw Pain Needs Urgent Attention

Call us right away if your jaw locks open or closed, you cannot open your mouth, or you have swelling, a fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, since these can point to an infection. Jaw pain that appears together with chest pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain spreading down your arm can signal a heart problem. In that case, call 911 instead of waiting for a dental visit. For urgent tooth or infection concerns, see our emergency dentistry page.

To learn more about which jaw pain treatments you would prefer for enhancing your smile, contact John J. Andre, DDS & Associates at (540) 402-9693. Come visit Dr. John J. Andre and our team at our dentist office in Louisa, Virginia by scheduling an appointment at your earliest opportunity.

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