Are you experiencing facial or jaw pain and wondering why? There are many possible explanations for this type of problem, and your dentist can help you find the cause. Here are three of the most common reasons for facial and jaw pain and how to treat them.

3 Reasons for Facial & Jaw Pain

1. Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, it’s likely that you don’t even know about it. Most teeth grinding occurs while people are sleeping, but the causes behind it can be varied. For example, you may be stressed, or you may have an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. Teeth grinding can cause headaches and jaw pain, which is why your dentist may recommend a mouth guard to stop the habit.

2. TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder refers to an improper function of the joints that allow your mouth to open and close. You may notice clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, but TMJ also creates jaw and facial pain. Your dentist may recommend dietary changes or orthodontic treatments to relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

3. Other Causes

There are various other causes for jaw and facial pain, many of which your dentist will recognize. For example, you may have a jaw injury, an infection, a toothache, or periodontal disease. However, jaw pain can also be a result of arthritis or sinus problems. The proper treatment will depend on the cause. For example, your dentist can treat a toothache, but you’ll have to see a medical doctor for arthritis.

Are you suffering from facial or jaw pain? Give the staff at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska a call at (608) 783-3341 to make an appointment with their family dentist. They offer preventive dental care as well as cosmetic dentistry for their patients in Wisconsin. To learn more about the different services they offer, visit their website.