When to See a Specialist About Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is a common issue, affecting millions of Americans each year. Your pain may feel like a dull ache, intense tenderness, or even shooting pangs.

In severe and long-lasting cases, jaw pain can interfere with your ability to eat, speak, and sleep, while also disrupting your moods.

Jaw pain doesn’t always need medical treatment, but seeing a specialist can make a difference.

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, diagnoses and treats underlying causes of jaw pain to improve your quality of life and your health.

Here’s a closer look at jaw pain, including signs it’s time to see a specialist soon.

Common jaw pain causes

Anything that stresses your jaw bones or surrounding tissue can lead to jaw pain. The pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen during certain activities, such as eating.

Some of the most common causes include:

Arthritis
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Jaw dislocation
Gum disease
Tooth abscess
Sinus infection
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

TMJ disorders are the leading cause of chronic jaw pain. Other signs of TMJ problems include popping sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking, earaches, and headaches.

When to see a specialist about jaw pain

In some cases, jaw pain stays fairly mild and eases without any treatment. If your jaw pain becomes severe or lasts for more than a week, it’s wise to seek professional care.

If you have sudden, severe jaw pain due to an injury, such as a dislocation or fracture, or radiating jaw pain that starts in your chest or shoulders, call 911.

For severe jaw swelling, consider emergency dental care in our office. Our team can also treat jaw pain related to an intense toothache.

Jaw pain treatment

Treatment for jaw pain varies based on the cause, your symptoms, and your overall health. If you have a tooth abscess or gum disease, you may need a deep dental cleaning and antibiotics.

For arthritic jaw pain, eating primarily soft foods, performing gentle jaw exercises, and applying cold compresses can help.

If your jaw pain stems from bruxism or a TMJ disorder, we may recommend a customized nightguard or NTI-tss device. These devices keep you from grinding your teeth and support good jaw alignment.

Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, may help resolve jaw pain, too.

To learn more about jaw pain or get started with expert care, contact Swinney Dental today. Our staff would love to answer your questions and help you find relief.