Pain in your jaw can be caused by an infected tooth or from temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) issues. Getting a correct diagnosis is important and vital. Ignoring the problem or treating it with over-the-counter pain relievers will not help in the long run if you have an infected tooth.
When the cause of your jaw pain is due to a tooth, it is important that the issue be addressed as soon as possible. A sensitive cavity will only get worse and eventually lead to infection. If your tooth is already infected, treating the infection is critical to eliminate the possibility of more serious problems developing.
A tooth infection, left untreated, can cause a variety of major problems. In addition to severe pain and swelling, an infection can lead to blood poisoning and sepsis if not controlled. Sepsis is a serious, often fatal condition. Proper treatment will eliminate the infection and may save your tooth, if the damage caused by decay is not severe.
Diagnostic imaging will reveal the degree to which the tooth is infected. It will also reveal whether the pain is caused by a tooth or by problems with your temporomandibular joint. If you have TMJ/TMD, there are treatments available to help relieve or eliminate the pain.
Treatment for Jaw Pain
Waking up with jaw pain and/or headaches could indicate TMJ/TMD. This is a condition suffered by millions of adults on a regular basis. TMJ/TMD affects more than one third of the population and is more common among women.
TMJ/TMD often manifests as a morning headache. The pain can radiate from the jaw out to the head, neck and sometimes involves the shoulders. Clenching and/or grinding your teeth can lead to this condition. Many individuals hold stress in their jaws and tend to clench and grind when experiencing it. Some people develop this habit and will do it whenever they feel stress. Others will only do it while sleeping.
If you wake up with jaw pain and or a headache on a regular basis, you should be examined for a problematic tooth or for TMJ/TMD. Contact Mint Dental to schedule a consultation and evaluation appointment. A correct diagnosis of the problem is vital for your oral and general health.
