The only time that over half of the adult population in Ireland visits the dentist is when they are dealing with an emergency. Many of these emergencies involve tooth and jaw pain.
If you find yourself on the losing end of a fight with jaw pain, the best place to go is to a dentist. The dental professionals there will be able to diagnose the issues you have and get the right treatments prescribed.
The following are some of the most common issues that can lead to excruciating jaw pain.
You May Have TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint rests on each side of your jawbone. This joint is basically a hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull.
People who have TMJ disorder will often have bouts of jaw pain. While there are a number of TMJ disorders, this seems to be the common symptom to them all.
By going to the dentist, you can get x-rays of this joint to see exactly what is going on. If the TMJ problems you are having are mild, your dentist may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medicine to help you out. They will also advise you to stick to soft foods for a while so your jaw can get some rest.
Jaw Pain Can Be Caused By Issues With Your Bite
One of the first things a dentist will check if you go in with jaw pain is the condition of your bite. If all of the teeth in your mouth line up with each other when you chew, it is classified as a good bite.
However, if the teeth in your mouth are misaligned when you are chewing, it can cause a number of problems. An uneven bite can put a lot of undue stress on your jaw and will cause pain.
A dentist may use braces, an occlusal splint or in some cases, surgery to correct this issue. The only way to get detailed information on the condition of your bite is by consulting with an experienced dentist.
Pain Caused By Untreated Cavities
Another common cause of jaw pain is an untreated cavity. The food and drinks you consume can wear out your teeth’s enamel over time, especially if you do not brush frequently. Once the enamel is gone, it is only a matter of time before cavities start to form.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, it could be caused by a decaying tooth. A dentist may be able to drill out the cavity and put in a filling. In some cases, the dentist will have to perform a root canal to remove all of the diseased parts of a tooth.
Seek Out the Help of a Dental Professional
If you are tired of dealing with jaw pain, now is the time to seek out some professional help. Finding a dentist who has experience with treating this pain is easy when performing thorough research.
Are you looking for a dentist to help you with your jaw pain? If so, give us a call today to find out more about how we can help.