You never want to ignore jaw pain. There are so many possible causes and without proper diagnosis and treatment, the pain will likely only escalate. That’s where your dentist comes in. They can help you identify the problem and come up with an effective treatment plan. If you’ve been suffering from jaw pain, here are a few possible reasons:

TMJ

Your temporomandibular joint is responsible for opening and closing your jaw. When it sustains damage, either from constant clenching or physical trauma, it can create extreme pain in the mouth, neck and face. If your jaw discomfort is accompanied by any of these additional symptoms, then you can be reasonably confident TMJ is the culprit.

  • Pain when swallowing
  • Constant dizziness
  • Lockjaw
  • Muscle spasms around the jaw
  • Clicking or popping sounds when moving jaw

Wisdom Teeth

Pain in your jaw could also be a result of wisdom teeth coming in. Most of the time, these teeth come in when you are between 17 and 21. However, if you never got them removed as a teenager, then they may cause problems as an adult. The pain is often a result of the impacted wisdom tooth rubbing against a neighboring molar. If not addressed quickly, this can lead to cysts or your teeth moving out of their normal positions. When you feel pain in the back of your mouth, contact our dentist so that we can remove your wisdom teeth before further complications arise.

Abscessed Teeth

Without adequate oral hygiene, you can develop a tooth abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms near the tooth root. A severe facial injury or an untreated cavity can result in an abscess. This problem will be accompanied by a persistent foul taste in your mouth, swollen lymph nodes and a fever. Serious long-term complications can develop, so see a dental professional immediately so that the abscess can be drained and removed.

The Place To Go for Jaw Pain

Do not hesitate to contact the office of Dr. Robert Steadman if you experience discomfort in your jaw, teeth or gums. Schedule an appointment right away so that we can help you live comfortably.