20 Oct Identify the Cause of Your Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be an extremely uncomfortable condition that affects your ability to chew, swallow, or sleep restfully. If you have been struggling with pain in your jaw, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Along with diagnosing the cause of your jaw pain, your dentist can treat the problem and restore comfort to your jaw. Some of the most common causes of jaw pain are as follows:
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is an extremely common condition that can affect both adults and children. While some patients find themselves clenching and grinding their teeth during the day, others only grind during the night after they have fallen asleep. With a dental appliance, such as a night guard, you can ensure that your jaw remains in a neutral position while you sleep. Wearing a night guard on a consistent basis may be able to reduce your jaw pain during the day.
TMJ Disorder
The main joint that controls the movement of your jaw is called the temporomandibular joint. Dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint is commonly referred to as TMJ disorder. Patients with TMJ disorder experience jaw pain, as well as popping, clicking, and other sensations when they open their mouths. Your dentist can provide you with a few different options to treat your TMJ.
Tooth Abscess
Certain oral health conditions can also lead to pain in the jaw. If you have a tooth abscess in one of your back molars, you may feel painful sensations throughout your jaw and back teeth. If an abscess is left untreated, it can damage the bone tissues in your jaw, leading to sharp pain and infection.
To schedule an appointment to discuss your jaw pain with a dentist in Tucson, contact John Carson DDS by calling (520) 514-7203. Our full service office provides cosmetic dentistry services and treatment procedures for all types of oral health conditions. With our help, you can restore comfort to your teeth and jaw.