Have you been experiencing persistent jaw pain? You’re not alone. Over 10 million people across the U.S. experience jaw pain, and it can be caused by a variety of factors that people struggle to identify. It’s important to understand the potential causes of your tooth and jaw pain so that you can combat it the right way, effectively.

We've put together a guide to the symptoms, tricks to ease the discomfort, and signs it's time to call for emergency dental services.

What Does Jaw Pain Feel Like?

The type of tooth and jaw pain that you feel can vary widely. Some people experience an aching pain or soreness in their jaw when they open and close their mouth, while others may have a sharp, stabbing sensation. It's common for the pain to be felt on one side more than the other.

Other symptoms you might notice are clicking, popping, or grating when you open and close your mouth. Or you might have difficulty opening your mouth wide. Regardless of the severity, tooth and jaw pain is never comfortable.

What Could Be Potential Causes?

There are a variety of potential causes. These can include dental issues such as the following:

• Cavities

• Gum disease

• Tooth abscesses

• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

• Stress

But there are more possibilities such as arthritis or sinus infection. Once you identify the underlying cause of your jaw pain, it'll be easier to treat it properly.

What Can You Do To Ease the Pain?

If you are experiencing tooth and jaw pain, there are several steps that you can take to try and reduce your discomfort. Try the following:

• Avoid hard or chewy foods

• Limit your caffeine intake

• Use a moist heat compress on your jaw muscles for 15 minutes every few hours

• Be mindful of how you are holding your jaw while sleeping—consider a mouthguard

When you prioritize your dental health, you can reduce the risk of jaw pain significantly. And when you prioritize these methods, you'll find the tooth and jaw pain won't be as strong.

When Should You Contact A Medical Provider?

If the pain persists and the home remedies above don’t seem to be helping, contact your medical provider. A misdiagnosis is possible when you try to diagnose yourself, so it's always better to have an official diagnosis to get the best remedy, such as:

• Medications like painkillers or muscle relaxants

• Physiotherapy

• Surgery for more severe cases

If you're having trouble opening or closing your mouth, or the pain is suddenly severe and spreading throughout your face, contact a medical provider for emergency dental services.

Experience a Pain-Free Jaw with North Pole Dental

Don’t wait to contact North Pole Dental for help with your tooth and jaw pain. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with necessary dental maintenance or emergency services for relief.

As soon as you schedule an appointment, you can start to experience a pain-free jaw. Reach out to us today to experience the relief for yourself!