Whether it’s only there when you first wake up or present all the time, jaw pain can be annoying and, at its worst, debilitating. While you may think this is something you should see a general physician for, the cause could be something that a trip to the dentist can fix. Below are four common causes of jaw pain that a thorough dental exam will identify.

4 Jaw Pain Causes That a Dentist Can Treat

1. TMJ Issues

Your temporomandibular joints are where your jaw connects to your skull, and problems with them are commonly referred to as TMJ. Previous injury or excessive wear on the jaw joints make you more likely to experience TMJ symptoms, such as clicking, pain, stiffness, and headaches. A dental professional will diagnose the cause and provide lifestyle advice or treatment to reduce your discomfort.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious dental condition that’s caused by irritation and infection of the gums. In its early stages, it can present as gums that are aching, bleeding, swollen, and red. If left untreated, the condition progresses, eroding your gum and bone tissue. This creates a host of problems that can cause your jaw to hurt, such as teeth shifting, misalignment, and jawbone erosion. If you suspect you have gum disease, seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

3. Tooth Trauma

Many different ailments of the teeth will cause discomfort throughout your jaw, too. Cavities and infections in your teeth will cause tooth pain, which can spread to your jaw, ears, and face. Teeth that are crowded or misaligned also lead to pain due to the stress this puts on your jaw bone. Cracked, broken, or partially knocked out teeth are also sensitive and will cause pain to all surrounding areas.

4. Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common ailment. With most patients, they grind their teeth in their sleep, so when they wake up, they experience pain in their jaw. It also causes strain and irritation of the joints and muscles in your jaw, further worsening the situation. The dental office should provide a night guard to protect your teeth and lessen the stress on your jaw to relieve pain.

If you think the cause of your jaw pain is dental, see the team at North Ft. Mitchell Dentistry, John M. Schulte DMD in Covington, KY. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. John M. Schulte and his team are veritable experts in their fields, able to treat a variety of conditions for patients of all ages. Whether you need dentures, a dental exam, or to find bruxism relief, they’ll take care of you with meticulous attention and compassionate care. Learn about their family dentistry online, then call (859) 331-0763 to schedule your appointment today.