Hearing a popping sound in your jaw joints? Experiencing a dull throb or a sharp pain? We feel you. Millions of people worldwide are affected by the problem of facial and jaw pain. Correct diagnosis and treatment is a challenge in this case because there are many potential causes of jaw pain. For doctors to be able to provide the best course of pain-relieving treatment, it is essential to identify the exact cause.
CausesThere can be many reasons behind the jaw pain related to nerve problems, physical injuries or blood vessel problems. Temporomandibular joint disorder is one of the most commonly reported causes of jaw pain. Some other causes of jaw pain are:
- Osteomyelitis: In this condition, an infection in the body affects the bones and associated tissues. - Capsulitis or Synovitis: In these conditions, the lining of the joint or connecting ligaments become inflamed. - Sinus problems: Sinusitis or sinus problem is inflammation of the air cavities within the nasal or sinus passages. - Vascular pain: When the supply of blood to a part of the body is disrupted, this type of pain occurs. Conditions that include carotid artery dissection and giant cell arteritis are responsible for this type of pain. - Neurovascular pain: In conditions such as cluster headaches and migraine, both the blood vessels and the nerves are affected. This results in neurovascular pain. - Tension headaches: Caused by stress, these headaches may lead to jaw pain. - Dental problems: Gum diseases, cavities, tooth gaps, damaged teeth or abscesses can all cause jaw pain. - Teeth clenching, grinding or opening the mouth too wide: While sleeping, you may experience teeth grinding and clenching, which can lead to jaw pain and tooth damage.
Other factors such as lack of nutrients, tiredness, sleep disturbances and conditions such as Lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism and so on may also cause jaw pain.
Treatments
Treatment methods of jaw pain vary depending on its cause, such as:
Once you know what triggers your jaw pain, you can prevent the pain from returning.
Basic preventive measures would be as follows: