Jaw pain is a common problem that can sometimes spread to other parts of the face. It may occur as a result of various medical diseases, such as sinus infections, toothaches, problems with the blood vessels or nerves. TMD Temoporo Mandibular Disorder is the primary cause of the majority of jaw discomfort kinds. Jaw discomfort frequently does not require immediate medical attention, but it occasionally may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires care.

How is the Jaw Pain Diagnosed?

Your symptoms will be discussed, and your dentist or doctor will look at your jaw. He or she is likely to: When you open and close your mouth, pay attention to and feel your jaw. Check your jaw's range of motion. Press on areas around your jaw to identify sites of pain or discomfort You could require: If your doctor or dentist senses an issue, X-rays taken by the dentist to inspect your teeth and jaw a CT scan to provide comprehensive pictures of the bones that make up the joint an MRI to detect issues with the joint's disc or the soft tissue around it Sometimes a TMJ issue is diagnosed with TMJ arthroscopy. An arthroscope, a tiny camera, and a cannula are placed by your doctor during a TMJ arthroscopy in order to observe the affected region and assist in making a diagnosis.

Why does Jaw Pain Occur

Jaw discomfort can be brought on by several conditions, including infections, blood vessel or nerve injury, physical trauma, and more. A collection of diseases known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction impact the muscles, joints, and bones involved in moving the jaw. These conditions can cause pain and discomfort. The majority of the time, despite certain varieties needing treatment, it is a common condition that goes away on its own. Although the signs might differ, they may include: Face and jaw discomfort, locking of the jaw, clicking, cracking, or grinding noises, trouble opening or eating, a burning feeling in the mouth, sensitive teeth Some of the possible reasons are listed in the sections below. Trauma Jaw pain can result from: A fall or a hit to the face can cause a fractured jaw. A broad opening of the mouth, such as during yawning, can lead to a dislocated jaw. Dental surgery: Because it might take time to recuperate after a procedure, this can result in jaw discomfort. Jaw discomfort can be brought on by muscular tension from a strain or injury. How does one spot a fractured or misaligned jaw? teeth clenching and grinding Many people clench or grind their teeth while dozing off or under stressful situations. Bruxism is another name for this. Significant tooth damage and jaw discomfort may result from it. Arthritis The smooth joint surfaces can deteriorate over time as a result of osteoarthritis and other kinds of arthritis, and eventually the bones themselves. This can cause bone discomfort to manifest. Inflammation in the joints is also brought on by inflammatory diseases such synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Pain may develop if these conditions affect the jaw bone joint. Dental problems Jaw discomfort can result from gum disease, cavities, tooth gaps, broken teeth, and abscesses, among other things. Neurotic Pain When nerves suffer injury, the brain receives pain impulses, which result in this kind of pain. Constant symptoms are possible, as well as sporadic ones. Trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, and cancer-related pain are a few examples of neuropathic pain. Vascular disorders Jaw discomfort can occasionally be caused by an issue with the vascular system. Temporal arteritis, sometimes known as giant cell arteritis, and angina are a few of instances of vascular disorders. The arteries in the temple area on each side of the head become inflamed in temporal arteritis, causing headaches and jaw discomfort. This condition may also put a persons vision at risk. When the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, generally as a result of a coronary artery blockage, angina can occur. Both jaw and chest discomfort are possible side effects. Angina patients run the chance of having a heart attack as well. Osteomyelitis Rarely, the jaw bone and related tissues may be impacted by an infection known as osteomyelitis. It is an uncommon complication. headaches with tension Stress is the cause of tension headaches. Some persons with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) also have headaches, but there doesn't appear to be a connection between the two disorders. Because of this, it is uncertain if there is a connection between headache and jaw discomfort.

How is the Jaw Pain Treatment?

What caused the discomfort will determine how it is treated. Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain.  The following medicines may be prescribed by a doctor: Antibiotics, if tests indicate a probable bacterial infection, muscle relaxants, oral, topical, or steroid painkillers, to reduce swelling or inflammation, steroid injections, to treat viral infections like herpes zoster. Surgery can be required in some circumstances to remove any broken bone or to restore the jaw. Among the physical treatments are: attempting physical treatment trying relaxation therapy stretching to promote muscular flexibility examining posture to reduce neck and back strain wearing mouth guards, such as a mouthguard Several options for dental care include: Extraction of teeth after root canal treatments heat or cold therapy Several natural and alternative treatments include: Adopting a soft diet, attempting massage and acupuncture to stop excessive jaw movement