At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we treat several causes of pain in the oral area. In today’s message, we will discuss jaw pain.
Sometimes it’s difficult to identify the cause of jaw pain.
Here are some of the possible causes:
Infection
A localized infection can trigger or aggravate jaw pain. An infection puts your tooth and jawbone at risk, so swift intervention is essential for many reasons. If your jaw starts swelling, call us immediately. This could indicate a severe, fast-moving infection.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. Chronic TMD can be debilitating. Teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. It can also be caused by injury or arthritis. Some individuals who are plagued with TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing practices can help you prevent it or reduce the severity. But the first step is diagnosing the cause.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissues that line your sinuses. Inflammation commonly occurs with a cold or allergies. When these tissues are inflamed, it can generate pressure in surrounding locations. Thus, inflammation from a cold or allergies can result in jaw pain.
Heart Attack
A heart attack can create pain in some surprising places, including the jaw. If jaw pain comes on suddenly and is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness, call an ambulance immediately. Be especially concerned about pain only in the left jaw joint.
You May Need Additional Treatment From a Medical Healthcare Provider
Jaw pain can be caused by a combination of factors, both dental and medical.
If the cause of your jaw pain warrants an additional medical specialist, we will refer you to a trusted professional. We work with your healthcare team to provide the best possible care.
Jaw Pain Doesn’t Have to Wait Until Monday
If you have an urgent jaw problem in the evening or on the weekend, the team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can take care of you.
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604