Pain in the jaw can occur for any number of reasons, some of which can be readily explained away and will dissipate in a couple of days. However, some jaw pains don’t dissipate and can actually worsen over time, causing you to desperately look for any solution that will get rid of the pain. Thankfully, this pain is typically easy to diagnose. Once diagnosed, there are several treatments available for you to choose from. What Causes Abnormal Jaw Pains?

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Causes of Abnormal Jaw Pains

There is a wide range of causes of these jaw pains, primarily due to the fact that movement of the jaw involves a variety of muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. Since these movements include so many different parts, there are numerous problems that could occur for any number of reasons.

Basic overworking of the joints inside the jaw is one of the most common and least severe causes of jaw pain. If this is the cause of your pain, the problem will go away after a short period of time. However, other causes are more serious and may require orthodontic treatments.

Constant Grinding of the Teeth

One of the more common causes of jaw pain is teeth grinding. Though it’s relatively common, it can also be difficult to identify. In many cases, teeth grinding occurs when you’re sleeping at night. Not only does this condition cause you to experience a substantial amount of pain, but your teeth will also wear down if the condition is left untreated. When teeth grinding subsists, abnormal bites and misaligned teeth are likely to occur.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a disorder that exists between the jaw and temporal bones. The disorder itself can be caused by any number of issues, such as crooked teeth, muscle tension, malformed joints, and a lot more. TMJ is typically accompanied by a clicking or popping sound each time you open or close your mouth. Additional symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus, and general stiffness of the jaw.

Fractures and Disorders

Whether due to an accident or some separate disease, fractures and basic structural disorders can also cause abnormal jaw pain. These issues lead to changes in the alignment of your jaw. The pain caused by these changes is usually on the milder side but is also constant. If you experience one of these fractures or structural disorders, immediate treatment is necessary to ensure that the issues don’t worsen.

Continual Stress

Stress can adversely affect the body in many different ways. One of these ways involves the presence of pain in the jaw and can be triggered by a variety of stressors. These stressors can be anything from a lack of sleep to working too much. This stress causes tension in the muscles. Over time, this tension leads to pain in the jaw and even around the neck. Pain caused by stress will usually be dull, though sometimes resulting in severe headaches.

Severe Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disorder caused by the inflammation of joints within your body. This inflammation can occur in any joint, including the joints within the jaw. Inflammation within the jaw is immediately noticeable due to swelling. Over time, the temporomandibular joints will deteriorate, causing large amounts of pain. If left untreated, the jaw bone can eventually be fused to the skull, therefore eliminating movement in the jaw.

How to Treat These Pains

No matter the cause of your abnormal jaw pains, it’s essential that you seek treatment immediately. While some pains do dissipate in time, others will worsen in severity. The treatment solution provided to you largely depends on the cause of the pain in the first place. If the cause is the misalignment of your teeth, then braces may be necessary. Some cases require multiple treatment methods.

Lifestyle Changes

If the pain you’re experiencing is mild to moderate, the treatment you need may involve some simple lifestyle changes. Try talking less for a day or two, while also reducing the amount you chew. Resting the joints can provide some much-needed relief. Massaging the area that’s affected by pain is another easy treatment method.

Orthodontic Treatments

If your teeth have become crooked or misaligned due to the presence of arthritis, teeth grinding, or any number of additional conditions, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist in order to treat your pain.

Braces can move your teeth back to their natural position and relieve the pain you feel. If you’re an adult who is wary about what it would look like to wear braces at an older age, consider Invisalign. Invisalign straightens your teeth, but without the metal wires. Instead, clear aligners are used, allowing you to keep your natural smile.

Medications

While basic painkillers can reduce the amount of pain you feel, it won’t usually provide a lasting remedy to that pain. There are some medications, however, that can actually treat the underlying cause of the pain. To find out if there are any medications that can specifically target the pain you’re experiencing, make sure to speak with an orthodontist. If the problem is structural in nature, surgery may be necessary.

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn more about jaw pains and all orthodontic treatment, contact McDermott Orthodontics in Minnesota to schedule an appointment. Dr. Michael McDermott offers free consultations at several locations, including:

Delano – 763-972-4444
Pequot Lakes – 218-568-5600
Brainerd – 218-829-1630
Baxter – 218-829-1630

Our orthodontist has been providing examinations to adults, teenagers, and children for over 15 years, using these devices:

Damon System – made with self-ligating brackets
Ceramic Braces – color-matching brackets
Invisalign – aligners made from durable clear plastic

At our orthodontic office, patients are fitted with aligners after we use the iTero scanner to create molds. Our patients can also request an Acceledent Aura device to use at home to reduce their treatment time. Call us today to schedule your free consultation at McDermott Orthodontics.

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MCDERMOTT ORTHODONTICS

13046 Falcon Drive

Baxter, MN 56425

Phone: 218-829-1630

What Causes Abnormal Jaw Pains | 9 EPIC & FAST FACTS

Mike McDermott

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.

Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.