When you experience jaw pain, it makes it difficult to chew, talk or even move. That is because the shock-like sensations, sharp stabs and dull aches just do not seem to go away. The constant nagging pain can be concerning and even disrupt your day-to-day life. To help, here are some reasons why your jaw might hurt or ache.

Something is wrong with your teeth

Cavities, an infected tooth or even gum disease can cause pain in your teeth, gums or jaw. If you experience a throbbing tooth or gum pain that is worse when you have cold or hot drinks or food, it is key that you visit the dentist. The longer you wait to see the dentist, the harder these conditions can be to treat.

TMD disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD) affect up to 12% of people around the world. In fact, women are twice as likely to suffer from TMD compared to men. Additionally, uniked other chronic pain conditions, TMD is also more common in younger people. If you suffer from TMD, you may experience pain in front of your ear when you chew, talk or move your jaw. You may also experience a clicking or popping noise in your jaw, earaches, headaches and difficulty moving your jaw. That means it is important to visit our office to learn more about your pain.

Stress is overwhelming

When people are under immense stress, they often naturally respond by clenching their teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching at night and during the day can make your jaw muscles feel tender and sore. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help relieve your jaw pain if you are grinding your teeth. However, it is important to get a proper diagnosis before seeking treatment on your own.

A severe headache is at play

Yes, your jaw pain can also be caused by a severe headache. Cluster headaches are often felt behind your eyes and are associated with other symptoms like tearing, redness of the face, congestion and jaw pain. These headaches are rare compared to other headaches and can last anywhere from  weeks to months followed by periods of remission. Migraine headaches can also come with jaw pain as well as a throbbing pain on the side of the head, a stiff neck, nausea and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Seeking treatment is key.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, contact Dr. Mayoor Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information and to find a treatment that fits your needs.