Does your jaw hurt? Since we’re the dental clinic Montreal residents trust with their oral pain, we see patients with jaw aches for many different reasons. Here are five common causes of jaw pain:
1. Teeth Grinding
Many people who grind their teeth have no idea they do so because they do it when they’re sleeping. Clenching of the teeth can cause significant distress on the jaw and surrounding tissues. It can also lead to emotional distress, lost teeth, and other problems.
If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, your dentist will probably be able to identify this problem with a regular checkup. Nightguards can protect against grinding, saving your teeth from this unhealthy (and often undetected) habit.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition in which the surface of the bones begin wearing away, leaving less cartilage and protective barriers within the joints. If you suspect you may have arthritis, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with arthritis in other parts of your body, talk to your dentist. She may ask to see your medical records if you have arthritis in other places.
3. Gum Disease
Although gum disease doesn’t inherently seem like it would be connected to jaw pain, the two can actually go hand in hand. Periodontitis, for example, is a severe form of gum disease in which the bones begin to weaken above or below the diseased gums. When left untreated, the pain can spread beyond and infected tooth or painful gumline to the entire jaw bone.
4. Sinus Problems
Sinus problems are another situation most people don’t realize can cause jaw pain. The sinuses themselves aren’t the problem, but when the tissues inside the sinuses become inflamed, or when mucus builds up within the sinus cavities, the pressure can push down on the area below them. This pressure, in turn, can cause jaw pain because the body doesn’t have any way to find relief when this confined space is taken over by invaders.
5. Neurovascular Pain
If you suffer from migraines or other conditions that affect the nerves and blood vessels, you might also be susceptible to jaw pain. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience health problems that may seem unrelated to your oral health.
Are you searching for the dental clinic Montreal patients come to when they need help assessing the reasons for their pain? You’ve come to the right place! Schedule your initial consultation with Dre Nathalie Kadoch and our team at Centre Dentaire today!