Why You Shouldn't Ignore Recurrent Jaw Pain

If you experience frequent jaw pain, it might be tempting to brush it off as stress or just a passing discomfort. But recurrent jaw pain can be a sign of an underlying dental issue, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), that you shouldn’t ignore. 

Take a moment as our team at Smile Design Studio of Bethesda explains why you shouldn’t ignore recurrent jaw pain.

3 reasons you shouldn’t ignore jaw pain

When jaw pain goes undiagnosed and untreated, you’re at risk for:

• Increased  pain
• Permanent jaw damage
• More complex treatments later on

On the flip side, addressing the problem now can prevent worsening pain, permanent damage, and more complex treatments down the road.

What causes recurrent jaw pain?

Before you can get relief from jaw pain, the first step is to figure out what’s behind the pain. Recurrent jaw pain can stem from:

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder 

TMJ issues can cause jaw stiffness, clicking sounds, and pain when chewing or speaking. Beyond jaw symptoms, TMJ disorders can lead to frequent headaches.

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep, can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and worn-down teeth. Bruxism can also increase your risk of TMJ issues.

Stress is a big driver of bruxism, so if you suspect that you clench your jaw while you sleep, try practicing a few stress management strategies. 

Dental issues

Cavities, severe gum disease, or tooth infections can radiate pain to your jaw. We treat each of these conditions differently — just another reason you shouldn’t ignore jaw pain. 

For example, if you have a tooth infection that is radiating pain to your jaw and you delay treatment, you run the risk of needing more extensive treatment or even an extraction.

If you suspect that your jaw pain is related to a dental issue, don’t hesitate to seek emergency dental care.

Misaligned bite

If your bite isn’t aligned, it can put uneven pressure on your jaw. Malocclusion, also referred to as a “bad bite,” includes overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.

Sinus infections

Congestion or sinus infections can put pressure on the jaw and cause discomfort. Many people with sinus infections even say that their teeth hurt. 

You might suspect your jaw pain is related to a sinus infection if you have nasal congestion, facial pain, and a fever. Chronic sinus infections can even linger beyond 12 weeks.

This type of jaw pain can only be remedied by treating the underlying sinus infection.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect nearly any joint in your body, and that includes your jaw. Both of these types of arthritis can lead to inflammation and pain in your jaw joint.

When to see a dentist for jaw pain

If your jaw pain is persistent, worsens over time, or interferes with daily activities like eating or talking, it’s time to visit us here in Bethesda, Maryland. Ignoring the issue could lead to complications such as chronic pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or even tooth damage.

Treatment options for recurrent jaw pain

Our team of Treva Willis, DDS, Michael Wright, DDS, and Maria Wright, DDS, can help diagnose the cause of your jaw pain and recommend the best treatment, which may include:

Custom mouthguards 

If teeth grinding is the issue, a night guard or a splint can help prevent further damage and reduce pain. 

A night guard looks similar to a sports mouthguard, but you wear it while you sleep. It protects your teeth from getting damaged and takes some pressure off your jaw.

Dental procedures

We conduct a comprehensive exam to rule out all possible causes of your jaw pain. If your pain is due to an infection or gum disease, you may need treatments like fillings or crowns. 

Clear aligners

Over 70% of adults have some degree of malocclusion. Our team is a certified Invisalign® provider, which means we can use Invisalign to address jaw pain due to a misaligned bite. Invisalign can help correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites,

Medication and injections

Anti-inflammatory medications relax the muscles around your jaw.  You may consider over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, or in severe cases, prescription medication. 

In addition to anti-inflammatory medications, our team also offers Botox® injections. Research has shown that 85% of people with TMJ issues who received Botox injections had pain relief when opening their mouth, and another 90% experienced decreased pain while chewing.

Lifestyle changes

Regardless of what’s causing your jaw pain, you may still benefit from lifestyle changes, such as relaxation techniques, avoiding hard or chewy foods during a flare-up, and practicing stress management.

Get help for jaw pain

The bottom line is that ignoring jaw pain won’t make it go away. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, schedule an appointment with our team today. You can request your appointment online or simply call 301-907-8201.