{"id":3758,"date":"2021-02-26T10:18:52","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T15:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/?p=3758"},"modified":"2021-02-26T15:10:26","modified_gmt":"2021-02-26T20:10:26","slug":"jaw-pain-8-top-causes-and-what-you-should-do-if-your-mouth-aches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/jaw-pain-8-top-causes-and-what-you-should-do-if-your-mouth-aches\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaw pain: 8 top causes and what you should do if your mouth aches"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Does taking a bite out of your lunch or yawning make you say \u201couch?\u201d You may not know what\u2019s causing that jaw pain, or why eating is suddenly excruciating, but you sure know that that jaw pain <\/span>hurts.<\/span><\/i> It can seem overwhelming, and even frightening when you\u2019re unsure how long it will last or it doesn\u2019t seem to subside, but there are ways to mitigate jaw pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this piece, we\u2019ll explore some of the frequent causes of jaw pain from temporomandibular joint disorder to lesser-known causes like teeth grinding. And for those currently suffering from pain in your jaw, we\u2019ll also provide some easy at-home remedies and tips for how to get medical help to treat severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

8 Leading Causes of Jaw Pain<\/b><\/h2>\n

A variety of issues can cause the pain you’re experiencing. Here are some of the common sources:<\/span><\/p>\n

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder<\/b><\/h3>\n

The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw bone to the skull, acting \u201clike a sliding hinge\u201d<\/span> according to the Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a>. When this joint becomes injured or affected by a condition such as arthritis, you can end up with jaw pain. Take a listen when you open and close your mouth, if you hear a clicking sound or feel pain around the face, ears, or jaw, these are all common symptoms of TMJ.<\/span><\/p>\n

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is more common than might be widely known, with<\/span> the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimating<\/span><\/a> that more than 10 million Americans experience TMJ. Up to 12 percent of people are affected. Less than half seek treatment, with \u201cthe majority of those seeking treatment… women in their childbearing years\u201d<\/span> according to the National Women\u2019s Health Network<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Trauma<\/b><\/h3>\n

Take a blow to the jaw and it can easily lead to bruises, swelling, and knocked out teeth \u2014 all things that affect the ability to chew comfortably and open and close the mouth without pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WebMD<\/span> notes<\/span><\/a> that soft foods and over-the-counter pain medication can typically ease discomfort, adding, \u201cBut if the pain won\u2019t go away, or you can\u2019t open and close your<\/span> mouth<\/span><\/a> right, you\u2019ll need medical care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sinus Infections<\/b><\/h3>\n

Feeling congested? Breathe America<\/span> noted the connection between sinus infections and jaw pain<\/span><\/a>: \u201cSinus infections usually cause swelling, and when that swelling becomes severe, it can even reach to your jaw.\u201d Seek medical help for your infection and with treatment, the ache should subside as your other symptoms lessen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dental Issues<\/b><\/h3>\n

Failing to regularly brush and floss and get in for dental cleanings won\u2019t just cause yellow teeth and some funktastic breath. It might also lead to jaw pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Any number of different dental issues can cause jaw pain, including:<\/span><\/p>\n