Dentist in Lincoln Park Helps With Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be debilitating and make it difficult to eat and talk. There are multiple causes of jaw pain, most of which are dental. Our dentist in Lincoln Park outlines those causes and how they may be treated below, and how they differ from other causes of this specific pain. 

Causes of Jaw Pain

Common causes of jaw pain that our dentist is concerned about include:

• Temporomandibular joint disorder. This is a disorder of the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw.
• Bruxism. This means repetitive grinding of the teeth. You may not even notice this problem, and it often occurs while you’re sleeping.
• Infection. Decay and infections in the gum, root, and pulp of the tooth can cause jaw pain that may spread to other parts of your face.
• Periodontal disease. Gum disease can cause pain in some cases.
• Arthritis. If the joints lose cartilage, lubrication is reduced and they grind, causing pain. 

Symptoms of Jaw Pain

The obvious symptom of jaw and temporomandibular joint problems is persistent pain. However, there are other symptoms to watch out for:

• Gritty sound when chewing
• Popping in the jaw
• Ear pain
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Broken, cracked teeth
• Worn down incisors
• Headaches
• Bad breath (from infection)

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, especially if you have more than one, contact our dentist immediately. 

Treatment Options

Be proactive, as tooth damage occurs quickly and leads to cracks, decay, and the need for crowns. In cases with infection, the presence of pain may indicate an emergency requiring antibiotics and removal of any infected fluid in that area.

Other treatment options include mouth protectors to prevent damage caused by grinding, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medicine, and jaw exercises. Contact our dentist today for a consultation!

Contact Our Dentist in Lincoln Park Today To Find Out More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to dentistry, feel free to contact Dente Complete Dentistry, with a convenient dental office in Lincoln Park by calling 773.295.0562 or by clicking here.