Is Jaw Pain Tooth Related?
When you start to feel pain in your jaw, it is easy to make the jump that you must be having an issue with one of your teeth. And while you may be correct with that assumption, the chance that you are experiencing a problem with the joint that connects your jaw to the rest of your head. That joint is called the temporomandibular joint and it can really cause problems for people when it is not healthy. If you notice that your jaw pain is coming from the back of your mouth, it could be your wisdom teeth (which may need to be extracted), a molar, or it could be a symptom of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJD.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
TMJD is a problem with the joint that connects your head to your jawbone. The main purpose of the joint is opening and closing your mouth- the movements you use to talk and eat. When the joint becomes irritated or inflamed, you are suffering from TMJD. Not every person experiences temporomandibular joint disorder for the same reason, but common causes are arthritis, teeth grinding or clenching, and genetics.
Why Does TMJ Pain Cause Tooth Pain?
The temporomandibular joint is close to numerous muscles, nerves, and other connective tissue in your face, head and neck. The pain and inflammation from the joint can spread to the areas closest to where your jaw meets your head like your ears or your teeth.
Can Tooth Pain Cause TMJ Pain?
The short answer is yes. If you have had dental procedures that change your bite like dental crowns or bridges, the change in pressure points on your teeth can lead to overall issues with teeth alignment. The change in position of the teeth can lead to irritation in the jaw and joint.
If you are someone who still has their wisdom teeth or have teeth with cavities or infections, then the pain from your teeth can migrate to the temporomandibular joint. When the position of the wisdom teeth starts to change or the tooth starts to apply pressure below the jaw bone, the wisdom tooth can cause the irritation to spread towards the nearby joint. A toothache from an untreated cavity or a different kind of infection can lead to pain that spreads towards the TMJ. In these cases, treating the offending tooth can lead to relief from the pain in the jaw joint.
Is it TMJ Pain Or a Toothache?
If a toothache can cause pain in the temporomandibular joint and pain in the joint can cause pain in your teeth, then how do you know which one is the root problem? The first way to check if it is a possible toothache is by looking for any signs of cracks, chips, or possible cavities on your teeth, especially teeth that are close to the area where the pain is the strongest. If you notice any bad tastes in your mouth or any puss coming from your tooth or gums, you may have an infection that needs professional treatment.