Jaw pain can have a serious impact on your life. You might find you struggle to sleep, your work suffers, and your ability to concentrate diminishes. Due to this, you will want to understand the cause and seek treatment as soon as possible, so if you’re experiencing jaw pain, read on for four of the most common causes.
1. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are a particularly painful type of headache and usually occur around the eyes. They’re easy to distinguish from other headaches as the pain is usually sudden and accompanied by droopy eyelids, light sensitivity, and eye redness. If you experience jaw pain alongside this, there is a high chance that the pain is happening because of cluster headaches.
To ensure what you are experiencing is cluster headaches, it is recommended you see your doctor for a diagnosis, as there are other serious conditions that cause severe pain in this area of your body. Once medically diagnosed, treatments include steroids, injections, and medications.
2. Injury
One of the most common causes of jaw pain is trauma, and you’ll most likely know if this is the reason. If you experience jaw pain after an injury, you must see your doctor to determine the damage as soon as possible, as a jaw injury left untreated could lead to worn down enamel, swelling, a locked jaw, and a TMJ disorder.
If you have intense or persistent jaw pain following an injury, you will want to receive professional jaw pain treatment with a specialist, as they will help understand the cause and provide ongoing care to ensure the pain is kept to a minimum.
3. TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, causing pain around your mouth and jaw, especially when moving that area. They affect millions of Americans each year and have numerous causes, including teeth grinding, injury, and jaw inflammation. They also result in other unpleasant symptoms like earache and locking joints.
If you suspect a TMJ disorder causes your jaw pain, you must visit your doctor to determine the cause and seek treatment. Most cases go away on their own, but more severe cases may require surgical treatment.
4. Dental Problems
Several dental problems can result in jaw pain, including cavities, abscesses, and sensitivity. The best treatment for dental problems is to prevent them in the first place, which means brushing your teeth two to three times a day, flossing daily, avoiding excess sugar, and visiting your dentist twice a year.
Tooth pain is painful enough itself without jaw pain alongside it. So, if you believe you have tooth problems that have led to your jaw pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to ensure it doesn’t get any worse.
The most important piece of advice when suffering jaw pain is to see a specialist as soon as possible. While most cases are common and treatable, untreated symptoms can result in even more pain.
