Discovering the source of jaw pain is the first step toward finding relief. Unfortunately, there are a few reasons why your jaw might be hurting, from teeth grinding to a toothache. When pain and discomfort are caused by an underlying dental issue, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is imperative.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. Over time, the joint may become inflamed, which in turn causes pain while chewing and speaking. This disorder can be caused by chronic conditions like arthritis or an injury to the jaw. It may also occur due to habitual teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. In this case, dentists can prescribe a customized mouthguard, which reduces stress on the joint as well as protecting your teeth, while you sleep. 

Dental Abscesses

Dental abscesses are infected pockets of tissue that form near the teeth. They can result from a cavity that has been left untreated. Abscesses often cause a persistent toothache, facial swelling, increased sensitivity, a foul taste in the mouth, and sometimes fever. This condition should be assessed by a dentist immediately, as infections in the head and neck can be serious if left untreated. Treatments include draining the abscess, extracting the damaged tooth if it’s beyond repair, performing a root canal to salvage the surrounding tissue and tooth, and taking antibiotics. 

With over 35 years of experience, Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC in Rochester, NY, can diagnose the cause of your jaw pain and determine the most effective treatment option to provide relief. Their services include preventive dental care, orthodontics, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. They also provide laser surgical treatment, which greatly reduces discomfort as well as downtime. Schedule an appointment with a dentist by calling (585) 247-7110. You can also visit the website for more information on the services they offer.