Jaw pain is a common concern among people, affecting their eating and speaking ability. From the sinuses and ears to your teeth and jaw itself, jaw pain can be caused by various factors.
Usually, jaw pain is not serious and does not require immediate medical attention but it can have severe consequences sometimes. People with severe and persistent jaw pain should not neglect it and should immediately see the dentist in Berwick.
In this blog, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment options for treating jaw pain.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Physical injuries, damage to the nerves or blood vessels, infections, and numerous other things cause jaw pain. Some common causes of jaw pain include:
- Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD)
- Dental issues like cavities or gum disease
- Tooth pain
- Teeth grinding
- Arthritis
- Heart attack
- Sinus
Symptoms of Jaws Pain
The symptoms of jaw pain are not the same for everyone and might vary greatly. Some common symptoms of jaw pain include:
- Fever
- Jaw locking
- Pain in face and jaw
- Tooth grinding
- Toothache
- Earache
- Dizziness
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty while chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Burning sensation in the mouth
Treatment Options To Get Rid Of Jaws Pain
Apply heat or ice packs
The primary way to get rid of jaw pain is by applying heat or ice packs to your face. Take some ice and apply it over your face for around 10 minutes to get relief from jaw pain. Likewise, you can also use warm water in a warm cloth and use its heat to relax your jaw muscles.
Massage the affected joints
Massaging the affected joints also relieves your jaw pain. Make sure to use your index and middle finger to press the sore areas of your joints. Do 5-10 rotations in a circular motion and repeat this exercise multiple times. Likewise, massaging the side muscles of the neck can also relieve tension and jaw pain.
Avoid chewy foods
Chewy, tough, or crunchy foods put a strain on your jaw joint which in turn leads to pain or discomfort in the long run. This is why, dentists recommend avoiding chewy foods such as apples, chewing gum, or ice to experience relief from jaw pain.
Avoid caffeine
Your morning cup of coffee also leads to jaw pain. The best way forward would be to avoid having tea or coffee for some time to ease your jaw pain.
Stop teeth grinding
Oral habits such as teeth grinding that put a strain on the muscles and jaws should be avoided. Teeth grinding not only leads to jaw pain but can also affect your overall oral health and should be avoided.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories also work wonders in alleviating jaw pain. Ask your trusted dentist in Berwick before you take any medications to ease your jaw pain on your own.
Mouthguard
The next best way to get rid of jaw pain is to use a mouthguard. Mouthguard also assists you in getting rid of your teeth-grinding habit and relieves excess pressure. A mouthguard is a dental protector that is custom-fitted into your mouth. Wearing this at bedtime can help you from grinding your teeth and provide relief from jaw pain.
Stress reduction techniques
A study found that stress can also contribute to jaw pain. Consequently, you should opt for stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or counseling to manage your stress and jaw pain.
Wrapping Up
Jaw pain can adversely affect your daily life but can be managed by following the right treatment. Stick to the home remedies and other tips stated above to experience comfort from the jaw pain. Still, if the jaw pain persists, it’s important to visit Berwick Dental Clinic and get jaw pain treatment in Berwick.