Jaw pain can be caused by bruxism, gum chewing, sinus infections, dental problems, or even a heart attack. Stress management techniques and avoiding chewy foods can help relieve pain. A dental visit can identify the source and treatment, including TMJ disorder or a medical condition like a sinus infection.
There are several potential causes for jaw pain. Most commonly, the discomfort occurs due to bruxism — also called nighttime teeth grinding — or gum chewing, a sinus infection, and various types of dental problems. Some people experience pain after eating foods that require excessive chewing, such as steak, causing joint fatigue. Occasionally, jaw pain is a symptom of something more serious, like a heart attack.
An individual who grinds their teeth at night often experiences a headache or facial discomfort upon waking. This usually occurs due to the constant strain and pressure on the jaw muscles from clenching the teeth during sleep. It usually creates painful inflammation in the joints. A morning jaw ache is often caused by this condition, also known as bruxism. A custom-fit snorkel worn at night usually helps.
Some people grind or clench their teeth more often during times of extreme stress, even during their waking hours. Many times, they don’t even realize they are doing it. Adopting stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or therapeutic massage, can help relieve tension.
Sometimes, jaw pain may occur after bouts of excessive chewing. People who chew a lot of gum, for example, or shortly after consuming meat, may suffer subsequent discomforts. Temporarily adapting to softer foods and avoiding chewy foods can give sore facial muscles an opportunity to heal. If pain persists, the cause may be attributed to an underlying dental problem or a symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
A dental visit can usually help identify the source of a jaw pain. An oral exam and a simple diagnostic test, such as an X-ray, can help determine the best course of treatment. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. Alternatively, your dentist may find that you have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Over time, the person suffering from the condition may experience recurring headaches and jaw pain. A click or pop is usually noticeable whenever the mouth is opened or closed. Depending on the extent of the disorder, various methods can be used to correct it, which can be as simple as doing daily facial exercises.
Jaw pain is sometimes associated with a medical condition rather than a dental one. A sinus infection, for example, can cause facial discomfort. Once the infection has healed, the pain usually goes away. A doctor can usually diagnose and treat an individual suffering from this type of infection, which usually eliminates the source of a jaw pain.
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