Why Does My Jaw Hurt: Tooth Infection or TMJ

Jaw Pain Can Be Overwhelming

Jaw pain is a common issue, but that doesn’t make it any less intense when you are experiencing it. It can be a mild ache, stiffness, or pain in the jawbone, or severe pain radiating down one side of your face and up the other, but however it feels, jaw pain is something that can’t be ignored. In some cases, it’s easy to pinpoint the cause of jaw pain, as when there has been an injury. However, there are many factors that can cause this pain, including tooth infections and temporomandibular joint pain. How can you tell the difference and get the relief you need?

Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

A cavity can cause pain, as the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed and presses against the nerve. Left untreated, a cavity can result in a tooth abscess, which can cause severe, constant, throbbing pain. This pain can spread to the jawbone, neck, or ear, and can intensify with the pressure of biting or chewing. An abscess can also cause a fever, facial swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. If you have a tooth abscess, you may have foul mouth odor along with it. An abscess should never be ignored, but requires prompt dental care.

Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder

While an infection causes pain, sensitivity to temperature, and swelling, an issue with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) will cause pain in the jaw, sometimes radiating to the neck and shoulders. The temporomandibular joints are located on either side of the head, and they are the joints that allow your lower jaw to move. When they are not working properly, they can cause a wide range of symptoms, including jaw pain. Other symptoms of TMJ issues include:

• Ear pain
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Jaw popping or clicking
• Locked jaw
• Trouble opening the mouth fully
• Muscle spasms in the face
• Pain in the cheeks or temples
• Tooth pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches

Treatment for TMJ Disorders

Left untreated, TMJ disorders can cause cartilage degeneration, which can make the symptoms worse. A person with TMJ is likely to suffer chronic pain, which will get worse the longer it goes untreated. They can also cause the teeth to shift, resulting in a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, over time. Fortunately, an experienced dentist can evaluate your TMJ problems and offer non-invasive solutions.

Partner with Park 56 to Protect Your Teeth

If you live in New York and you are looking for a dentist to help with jaw pain, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.