Jaw pain can be uncomfortable and may even hinder the way to eat, speak, and laugh. Addressing your jaw pain can bring forth some much-needed relief. It is important to find the underlying cause of your jaw pain to treat it accordingly. In this post, we will uncover three reasons you may be experiencing jaw pain.
Gum Disease
Your jaw pain may not be jaw pain at all. The pain may actually come from your gums. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums; it can lead to symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum irritation, swollen gums, and shifting teeth. If you are experiencing pain in a specific area of the mouth, you may want to consider undergoing a gum disease screening.
Gum disease is often reversible during the earlier stages. The longer gum disease is left untreated, the more likely you will experience complex symptoms, such as tooth loss and bone loss in the jaw.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding typically occurs at night. Many patients don’t realize they grind their teeth until they visit their dentist. Grinding your teeth can put extra pressure on the joints in your jaw, which can lead to jaw pain and tension. Over time, if the teeth grinding is left untreated, you may experience tooth damage or difficulty moving the jaw.
Dr. Gorsky can work with you to determine if your jaw pain is the result of teeth grinding. We offer a full range of treatment options to minimize teeth grinding and repair damaged teeth.
Tooth Decay
Severe cases of tooth decay can affect the nerves in the teeth. To avoid feeling pain, you may begin chewing on one side of your mouth. When you don’t evenly distribute pressure when you eat, it can lead to an imbalanced bite. When you overwork a specific spot in your mouth, you are increasing the risk of jaw pain.
If you notice any changes in your oral health, it is crucial to visit the dentist right away. In many cases, when dental problems are spotted early, patients can avoid the need for complicated treatment.
Visit Our Manhattan, NY Dentist Office
Dr. Brad Gorsky is a trusted, experienced dentist in Manhattan, NY. He can work with you to identify the cause of your jaw pain and recommend the right solution for you. If you would like to explore your options, visit our dental office. To schedule an appointment, call 212.235.1769 or request an appointment online.