If you’ve experienced pain in your jaw at some point, you may be suffering from a chronic disorder or a dental disease. For instance, if you consistently experience pain or problems with your jaw or the muscles that control it, you may have temporomandibular disorder or TMD, which concerns your temporomandibular joint or TMJ. This joint consists of the mandible, the bone below your mouth, and the maxilla, the bone above it. They support your teeth and allow you to chew and speak.

TMD can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful, as it hinders your ability to masticate, making it difficult to eat. Once you feel a sharp sensation in this area, you’ll want to get in touch with a dentist in Edmonton to diagnose the condition and start a treatment regimen to relieve the pain. Here’s what you need to know about chronic jaw pain, TMD, and how to treat it:

The Symptoms of Chronic Jaw Pain

When suffering from TMD, you’ll be feeling discomfort or pain in your jaw joints, facial muscles, and adjacent tissues. However, the disorder doesn’t always affect all areas; sometimes, it affects only one side of your jaw. Regardless, it can disrupt your daily life since it obstructs your ability to chew and talk, making it an exasperating condition.

Common symptoms of chronic jaw pain or TMD include difficulty chewing, tooth pain, a popping or clicking sound or sensation when opening your jaw, tenderness in the jaw area, and general facial pain. Sometimes, you’ll experience headaches since the pain radiates to your facial muscles.

Common Causes of Chronic Jaw Pain

Many different factors contribute to chronic jaw pain. These include the following:

Heart Disease

The source of your jaw pain can actually be heart disease, which constricts the blood supply to the heart’s muscles. When there’s not enough blood, you may feel angina or pain in your chest, which can reach your jaws. You often feel this in your mandible. Once this occurs, it’s best to seek medical help immediately.

Inflammation in the TMJ

An inflamed TMJ may also result in a chronically painful jaw. In this scenario, you’ll want to visit an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton to identify the cause and seek treatment right away.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Failing to care for your teeth, gums, and mouth can result in diseases like TMD or chronic jaw pain, especially if you have an abscess. Since the bacteria are left in your mouth to proliferate, they will eat away at your teeth and tissues, resulting in a severe infection. To avoid this, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist every few months for a checkup. 

Pregnancy

The body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy, which may soften various joints while causing pain to others. If you experience jaw pain while expecting a child, be sure to visit a doctor immediately.

Recommended Treatments to Relieve Chronic Jaw Pain

Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve jaw pain. For starters, keep a diet of soft food to minimize chewing. Be sure to restrict your jaw movements to avoid exacerbating the pain, which means you’ll need to stay away from yelling, chewing gum, yawning, or other similar actions that stretch your mouth wide.

If you find yourself clenching your teeth often, consider purchasing a mouthguard. This will prevent teeth grinding and help you avoid clenching your teeth, which adds further stress to your jaw. Ultimately, visiting your dentist is the best way to address chronic jaw pain, as they can identify the root cause and recommend comprehensive treatment.

Conclusion

Chronic jaw pain can be disruptive to your daily life since it limits chewing and talking, making it difficult to perform regular tasks. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, be sure to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Edmonton.

Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental is an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton committed to providing the best possible dental care to you and your family. We offer preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry to help you with your needs. Contact us today to book your appointment!

Posted in Dental News & Advice