When Pain in Your Jaw Disrupts Your Life, What Options Do You Have?
Posted on 10/1/2025 by Elite Dental of Natick |
Jaw pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to eat, speak, and even sleep. When this pain starts to disrupt your daily life, it's important to find out what's causing it and explore your options for treatment.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint allows movement of the jaw while eating, talking, and yawning. TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking, and popping sounds in the jaw. |
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Dental problems: Such as cavities, gum disease, or impacted teeth, can also cause jaw pain. |
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Trauma: Injuries to the jaw, such as a blow to the face, can cause fractures or dislocations that can lead to pain. |
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Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect the TMJ and cause pain. |
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Other medical conditions: Fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, and even stress can contribute to jaw pain. |
Diagnosing Jaw Pain
If you're experiencing jaw pain, it's important to see a dentist for a diagnosis. They will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and perform a physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause, they may also order X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests.
Treatment Options for Jaw Pain
The treatment for jaw pain will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
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Oral care: For jaw pain caused by dental problems, good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, are important. In some cases, fillings, crowns, or other dental procedures may be necessary. |
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Conservative treatments: For TMJ disorders or other causes of jaw pain, conservative treatments may be recommended. These could include over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, heat therapy, relaxation techniques, or mouth guards. |
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Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the jaw and improve range of motion. |
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Restoration dentistry: If your jaw pain is caused by missing or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry procedures such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants can help restore the function and appearance of your smile while alleviating pain. |
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Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or muscle spasms. |
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Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary for jaw pain, but it may be an option for severe cases of TMJ disorders or other underlying conditions. |
When to See a Doctor
If your jaw pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or fever, it's important to see a doctor or dentist right away.
Takeaways
Jaw pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available. By working with your dentist to determine the cause of your jaw pain, you can find the best treatment plan for you and get back to living a pain-free life. |
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