Whether your jaw suddenly started hurting or the pain’s slowly gotten worse, you don’t have to live with the pain. Emanuel Mizrahi, DDS, at Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates in Forest Hills, New York, can help you get to the bottom of your jaw pain and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.
In this post we’ll explore a few of the potential causes of jaw pain, but if your jaw hurts, book an appointment with us. Then you’ll be on your way to proper care and not simply suffering and trying to guess the cause of your pain.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
More commonly referred to as TMJ disorders, these disorders involve the joints that allow your bottom jaw to move — the temporomandibular joints. When these hinge-type joints become inflamed or irritated, you feel pain. You may have headaches, swelling, pain when you chew, or you may feel as if the joint locks up.
There are several conditions that can cause TMJ disorders, such as bruxism or teeth grinding, an improper bite, or even a condition such as arthritis. The only way to know for sure why you’re experiencing pain in your temporomandibular joint is to see a qualified professional like Dr. Mizrahi. He can provide TMJ relief like nightguards, prescription medications, and steroid injections.
Gum disease
Gum disease can progress to the point where it actually damages your jawbone. It begins at the gumline, but can cause infection in the roots of your teeth all the way down to your jawbone.
The best defense against gum disease is regular visits with your dentist and, of course, good daily dental hygiene. Seeing Dr. Mizrahi regularly allows him to catch any signs of gum disease before it progresses.
If gum disease is causing your jaw pain, Dr. Mizrahi can treat it. In fact, getting treatment is critical!
Injury
Even if your injury happened many years earlier, you may feel the effects of it in your jaw now, particularly if you had whiplash. Whiplash can cause damage to the soft tissue of the joint in your jaw. Though you may not feel the pain from it immediately, it can cause TMJ symptoms down the line.
Other conditions
A host of other conditions can cause jaw pain, including:
- Heart attack
- Sinus infections
- Certain types of headache
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Although these aren’t problems Dr. Mizrahi can necessarily treat, they are conditions he can recognize and refer you to the best specialist for treatment. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, seek medical care immediately.
Under most circumstances, the most qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat the cause of your jaw pain is your dentist.
Don’t let an achy jaw plague you any longer. Book your appointment at Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates today. You can schedule a free consultation using our online scheduling tool, or you’re welcome to call our office during business hours to book your appointment.
