Do you wake up with headaches or jaw pain in the morning? Are you worried that it might be something wrong with your teeth? Facial pain can be related to issues inside the mouth, but it can also indicate other problems that have nothing to do with your teeth. At the Oral Surgery Center S.C., the doctors treat and diagnose facial pain and offer the following information on why and when it occurs.

Facial Pain

Pain in or around the jaw area, popping or clicking jaws, headaches, or neck pain are common examples of facial pain. While the muscles of the jaw and face can affect the teeth, this type of pain usually originates in issues with the temporomandibular joint. This can be affected by injury, arthritis, or a malformation of the jaw itself. Sinusitis and ear infections may also cause facial pain.

Toothache

A toothache is a pain in and around an actual tooth or teeth that are decayed, abscessed, and/or inflamed. The pain may be dull and throbbing or quite sharp. Inflammation and disease will also cause pain in the affected area.

Sometimes, teeth may hurt because of a condition outside the mouth, such as an earache, which will abate as the originating condition is dealt with. Chronic or continual pain around the teeth is a sign of cavities or other issues that need to be addressed by your dentist. A toothache does not usually cause pain in the jaw itself.

Treatment

The best way to determine the cause of your facial pain is to visit your dentist. They can diagnose any issues inside the mouth and treat it with the appropriate care, like a filling or root canal. If your teeth and gums are healthy, then your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for further diagnosis and treatment.

Saltwater rinses or antiseptic creams can be used for temporary relief of toothache pain, and over the counter pain medication can help with facial or tooth pain. However, chronic or severe discomfort should be treated immediately, as pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong. 

If you experience facial pain constantly, the first stop should be to a dentist or an oral surgeon. Oral Surgery Center, S.C., in Baraboo, WI, offers dental implants, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, oral surgery, and oral pathology services. Call (608) 356-2112 to make an appointment or go to their website to learn more about their practice.