Reasons for an Aching Jaw
Your jaw does more than most people realize. You use it to chew, speak, swallow, and make facial expressions all day. When your jaw hurts, it can affect eating, talking, sleeping, and overall comfort, so it is hard to ignore.
Jaw pain can come from several causes, and the best solution depends on what is triggering it. Here are some common reasons your jaw may be aching.
Stress and anxiety are frequent contributors. When you are stressed, you may clench your teeth or grind them, often without realizing it. This is called bruxism. Clenching and grinding can overwork the jaw muscles and put extra pressure on the jaw joints and teeth. Over time, this can lead to soreness, tightness, headaches, or pain when chewing. If your dentist suspects grinding or clenching, they may recommend a custom night guard and strategies to reduce strain on your jaw.
TMJ issues can also cause jaw discomfort. The temporomandibular joints are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become irritated, you may notice stiffness, difficulty opening wide, jaw locking, clicking or popping, or changes in how your teeth fit together. Many TMJ flare ups improve with conservative care. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist may recommend anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate, ice or heat, soft foods for a short time, and gentle jaw stretching exercises.
Impacted wisdom teeth are another possible cause, especially for teens and young adults. Wisdom teeth do not always have enough room to come in properly. When they are stuck under the gums or pushing against nearby teeth, the discomfort can feel like soreness in the jaw or pain in the back of the mouth. An exam and dental X-rays can show whether wisdom teeth are involved. If they are impacted or causing problems, removal may be recommended.
Bite problems can also contribute to jaw pain. If your teeth do not line up evenly, your jaw may have to work harder to chew and rest comfortably. This can strain the jaw muscles and joints over time. Bite issues can include crowding, missing teeth, an overbite, or an underbite. Treatment may involve orthodontics, restorations, bite adjustment, or other options that improve how the teeth fit together.
Treating Jaw Pain in Lynnwood
If you have jaw pain that comes and goes, or if it is getting worse, it is a good idea to schedule an evaluation. Because jaw pain can be related to clenching, TMJ irritation, wisdom teeth, or bite issues, the first step is identifying the cause.
At your visit, your Lynnwood dentist can check your jaw joints and muscles, evaluate your bite, and recommend imaging if needed. From there, treatment is focused on addressing the underlying issue so you can eat, speak, and sleep more comfortably.
