There’s nothing worse than when you’re in pain and it won’t go away. Headaches, back pain, and jaw pain all can diminish our quality of life. These types of pain can be ongoing, complicated, and can come from different sources. Jaw pain is no exception.
Common causes of jaw pain include: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), tooth problems, sinus problems, and neurogenic pain. A sudden onset of jaw pain can even indicate a heart attack.
7 Issues Leading to Jaw Pain
1. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
What is TMD? The jaw joint is unique in that it is a “sliding hinge”. There is a fibrocartilage disc acting as a pad between the condylar head of the mandible, and the articular eminence at the temporal bone. This joint is complex, and it is prone to dysfunction and problems.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or ear.
- Difficulty or pain with chewing.
- Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth.
- Limited opening, or even having the jaw locked open
Common Causes of TMD
- Teeth clenching and grinding. This may be stress-related
- Arthritis causing damage to the joint cartilage
- A disc that is damaged, or out of place
- Jaw injury, often from an accident or sports related injury
2. Cavities
Cavities in the teeth are caused by bacteria that is eating it’s way into the tooth. As bacteria gets close to and into the nerve space, pain and infection will occur. Regular dental check-ups and taking care of problems while they are small is the best way to avoid these problems.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease is when bacteria deep in the gums causes inflammation, gum attachment loss, bone loss, and even periodontal abscesses. This can also be treated and prevented.
4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth may also cause pain by pushing on adjacent teeth. Partially erupted teeth may also trap food and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection.
5. Sinusitis: An Unexpected Culprit
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones of the face. These include the frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. Sinusitis is when the sinus or sinuses are swollen and inflamed. This is typically caused by bacteria, but fungal infections can occur as well.
Symptoms include: altered sense of smell, cough, fatigue, malaise, fever, headache, pressure-like pain in the face, nasal congestion, sore throat, and nasal discharge.
The maxillary sinuses are located in the upper jaw above the molars, and close to the premolars. Jaw pain could certainly be a symptom of a sinus infection.
6. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes chronic pain. This chronic pain disorder causes spontaneous and severe pain in the face. These “pain attacks” are variable in their severity and presentation, and can last for seconds or even a few minutes. The “attacks” may go on for days or weeks, and can even occur several times in a day.
If you experience pain symptoms that keep happening, and cannot be effectively controlled by over the pointed pain relievers, you should contact your primary care physician.
7. Heart Attack: A Serious Consideration
Believe it or not, jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. It can even be described as a bad toothache.
The symptoms of a heart attack are variable. They may be mild, severe, or there may be no symptoms at all. The common symptoms include:
- Chest pain described as pressure or tightness
- This pain can spread to the arm, neck, shoulder, and up into the jaw and teeth
- Shortness of breath
- Other signs can include; nausea, lightheadedness, breaking out in a cold sweat
If you experience these symptoms, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical care.
Other Potential Causes of Jaw Pain
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone, commonly after an infection. This may manifest as constant jaw pain and sinus pressure, in the acute stage. Jaw and neck stiffness can also occur in the chronic stage. This will make eating and talking more challenging.
Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant Cell Arteritis causes an inflammation of the blood vessels on either side of the head. Pain and tenderness is often severe, and can come and go, as well as worsen progressively.
Tumors
Although rare, tumors in the jaw can also cause pain. Examples include:
- Ameloblastoma
- central giant cell granuloma
- dentigerous cyst
- odontogenic keratocyst
- odontogenic myxoma
- Odontoma
- and others.
A panoramic x-ray is advised every 4-5 years to help screen for these hard-tissue tumors. Early detection can prevent the destruction and problems that tumors can cause.
Early Intervention Usually Leads to Better Outcomes
In conclusion, jaw pain can arise from a myriad of causes, ranging from dental issues like TMD and cavities to more severe conditions like heart attacks. It’s essential to recognize the signs and not dismiss persistent pain as a minor inconvenience.
Early intervention and diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or concerns related to your jaw, don’t hesitate to reach out to Complete Dental Care. Dr. Sandhu and the team are dedicated to ensuring your oral health is in its best state.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free and healthier future. Remember, your well-being is our top priority. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandhu now.
