When your jaw hurts, it may become uncomfortable to do regular activities like eating a meal or talking to a friend. However, by understanding the causes of the pain, you can more accurately gauge when to turn to your dentist for help. Here is a little more information about jaw pain and how a dental professional can resolve the issue. 

Understanding Jaw Pain

What Causes Jaw Pain? 

Some common causes of jaw pain include dental decay, tooth clenching, teeth grinding, and arthritis. Trauma to the area can also cause pain, as it can interrupt the blood supply to the nerves or cause muscle problems. Sinus issues can impact the mid-face, which can make the upper jaw sore. Additionally, excessive stress can lead to pain, as it can cause people to hold their mouth closed tighter than they normally would for long periods of time. 

How Can Your Dentist Help? 

Fortunately, regardless of why you have jaw pain, your dentist can help. If it’s related to tooth decay, they will identify which tooth or teeth have infections and treat the problem proactively. Also, they may prescribe a custom mouthguard to protect your mouth, jaw, and head muscles from strain due to clenching or grinding. 

If you have developed facial muscular problems that are leading to jaw pain, your dentist may recommend surgical procedures to loosen the muscles and improve comfort. Since diseases like mumps and tetanus can lead to swelling in the jaw, they may have you tested and treated for these health issues.  Finally, they will evaluate your current list of medications to see if any of them could be aggravating the problem. 

If you’ve been living with jaw pain, turn to the team at Four Corners Dental Group. With state-of-the-art equipment and two convenient locations in Anchorage and Wasilla, these specialists will help with everything from routine dental checkups and restorative care to full smile makeovers. Call (907) 258-3384 or visit their website for more information.