There are plenty of parts of your body that you don’t really think about until you experience a problem. Your jaw is definitely one of those parts. Jaw pain can make it difficult to smile, talk, and eat. Those are some of life’s best activities! There can be many different causes for jaw pain. If you suffered a physical accident, it may take a few days for your jaw pain to wear off. If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain that you can’t explain, the issue may be related to a subconscious issue or a joint problem. In either case, your dentist can help you diagnose and treat the problem.
Bruxism Is the Unconscious Grinding of Teeth
There are all kinds of reasons why you might grind your teeth. It can be something you do when you’re frustrated or under stress. You might catch yourself doing it and stop. A little bit of teeth grinding isn’t a huge oral health problem. However, if you’re grinding your teeth unconsciously in your sleep, this can create some serious wear on the surfaces of your teeth. This condition is known as Bruxism, and it affects plenty of people. Bruxism can lead to your tooth enamel getting ground down and you experiencing pain in your jaw. It’s a condition you want to treat.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) Can Affect the Alignment of Your Jaw
TMJs make up a variety of conditions that affect your jaw’s joints. These conditions may be causing problems for the alignment of your jaw, or they can cause inflammation in your jaw. The joints of your jaw are subject to an incredible amount of stress and pressure on a daily basis. Think about the activity of chewing food — that requires a serious workload from your jaw. If you do suffer from TMJs, your dentist can diagnose the nature of the TMJ’s, which will determine exactly what sort of treatment you need.
Your Dentist Can Diagnose and Treat Unexplained Jaw Pain
It’s important to ask your dentist about any unexplained jaw pain you’re experiencing. With a careful examination, your dentist can likely determine whether you have bruxism or TMJs. In both cases, your dentist may be able to create a custom oral appliance for you to help you manage the condition. The oral appliance looks and functions much like a mouth guard. It will help align your jaw and protect your teeth from grinding. In serious cases of either condition, your dentist may recommend that you see an oral surgeon to help correct the problem.
Find Treatment for Your Pain at Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA
If you’re experiencing unexplained jaw pain in the Cedar Rapids area, come see the team at Cedar Dental. Our professional staff can diagnose your problem and recommend a course of treatment to help you feel better. Schedule an appointment at Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA by contacting the office at 319-364-7108.
Recent Comments