At Vanguard Dental Group in Derry NH, we treat several causes of pain in the oral area. In this blog post, we discuss jaw pain.
Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of jaw pain.
Here are some of the possible causes:
Infection
A localized infection can trigger or aggravate jaw pain. An infection puts your tooth and jaw bone at risk, so swift intervention is essential for many reasons. If your jaw starts swelling, call us immediately. This could indicate a serious, fast-moving infection.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. Chronic TMD can be debilitating. Teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. It can also be caused by injury or arthritis. Some people who experience TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing practices can help you prevent it or reduce the severity. But the first step is diagnosing the cause.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissues that line your sinuses. Inflammation commonly develops with a cold or allergies. When these tissues are inflamed, it can produce pressure in surrounding sites. Thus, inflammation from a cold or allergies can lead to jaw pain.
Heart Attack
A heart attack can create pain in some surprising places, including the jaw. If jaw pain comes on suddenly and is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness, call an ambulance right away. Be especially concerned about pain only in the left jaw joint.
You May Need Additional Treatment From a Medical Healthcare Provider
Jaw pain can be caused by a combination of issues, both dental and medical.
If the cause of your jaw pain commands an additional medical specialist, we will refer you to a trusted professional. We work with your healthcare team to provide the best possible care.
If you are diagnosed with TMJ/TMD, we can provide treatment at Vanguard Dental Group in Derry NH. We also offer a full range of family dentistry services. Call for an appointment today!
Contact Vanguard Dental Group:
603-276-1000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
19D Manchester Rd Ste 3
Derry, New Hampshire
03038