Jaw Pain
Although jaw pain is a fairly common thing to experience, it is important that you do not ignore this issue if it lasts longer than 24 hours or if the discomfort you are experiencing is severe. While the underlying issue may be nothing serious, it is better to have a professional evaluation so you do not end up causing more serious issues or endure more pain than is necessary.
Common health issues that can cause jaw pain include:
- Physical trauma
- Bruxism
- TMJ
- Infections
- Cold and flu
- Allergic reaction
- Overuse
- Heart Conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
While jaw pain is usually not an indication of anything serious, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience a dull constant pain in your lower left jaw, as this can be a warning sign of heart trouble.
Bruxism, Malocclusion, and Overuse
Three of the most common reasons why jaw pain develops is due to bruxism (teeth grinding), malocclusion, and general overuse. Grinding of the teeth can happen while awake, but is more common while sleeping. Because of this grinding, the enamel of the teeth become worn down and the jaw can become tender. Fortunately, this issue can generally be resolved by wearing a nightguard while sleeping.
If the alignment of your teeth are incorrect (malocclusion) this can cause parts of your teeth to become worn away quicker than others, resulting in jaw pain and increasing your risk of developing other oral health issues. There are several different treatment options for a misaligned bite, the most common being braces or other orthodontic devices.
For individuals who overuse their jaw, either due to bruxism or chewing gum for extended periods of time, it will be necessary to alter daily habits and take active efforts to give the jaw time to rest.
Different Infections May Cause Your Jaw To Hurt
Another common reason jaw pain may develop is due to infections. For example, a sinus infection can cause pressure to increase in your sinus cavity due to swelling, which can cause pain to develop in your jaw. Ear infections can also cause swelling to occur, and the infection can spread to the tubes behind your jaw, which can cause pain to develop. Jaw pain may also develop because of an abscessed or infected tooth. In the early stages of infection, you may experience a dull pain, which will increase in severity as the infection progresses. If the infection is left untreated long enough, a root canal may be necessary, or in extreme cases, it may be necessary to extract the tooth to relieve jaw pain.
Stress and Jaw Pain
While jaw pain may be caused by any of the aforementioned issues, another common reason people develop jaw pain is due to stress, which can cause people to naturally tense up and strain their facial muscles. If you experience high stress on a daily basis that may be contributing to your jaw pain, you may consider practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or practicing mindfulness. There are also several medications available that can help reduce stress and anxiety.