Jaw Pain
Most people have heard of Temporomandibular Disorder or TMD and they know it is the source of jaw pain, but it is not the only cause for jaw pain. In fact, you may be experiencing a more serious health issue that requires medical attention, especially if it persists longer than 24 hours or it is severe pain. If you ignore your jaw pain it will not resolve itself on its own; you should listen to the message your body is sending you.
Teeth Grinding – Bad Bite and Overuse
With the serious added jaw pressure from grinding your teeth in your sleep, your jaw muscles are impacted by repeated grinding. If you notice that you are grinding your teeth, be sure to talk to the dentist about the best actions you can take to help your teeth and jaw. Your bite pattern or the way that your top teeth meet and press on your bottom teeth may be causing the pain in your jaw. If the teeth are not properly aligned, then the uneven bite can result in discomfort.
In other cases, people may make jokes about overusing their jaws, but overuse can be an actual issue that results in jaw trouble. Extended gum chewing is one of the many ways that you are not giving your jaw a rest between meals.
Infections
Bacterial growth in the mouth can lead to pain in the jaw, but infections in surrounding areas can also result in similar jaw pain. Sinus infections, ear infections, and infected teeth can create pain in the jaw area and worsen if left untreated. The pressure from the infection on the surrounding tissue can be a dull ache or a sharp throbbing pain, but both require professional medical or dental attention.
Jaw Joint Diseases
Even though people think of their hips or knees when it comes to arthritis, but people can experience osteoarthritis in any joint. Arthritis in the jaw can be diagnosed by a medical professional when additional symptoms are taken into consideration.
Left Lower Jaw Pain Should Never Be Ignored
Symptoms of heart attacks include chest pains on the left side and pains in the left arm. Any pain in your lower left jaw can be a warning that your heart is in trouble, especially in women. If the pain in your left lower jaw is combined with shortness of breath, chest pains, or other heart problems, it is very important to seek immediate medical attention.
Other Reasons
The most common reasons for jaw pain are listed above, but you may be suffering from stress or an allergic reaction as well. In other case of colds and flu, some people’s symptoms include jaw pain. While your jaw pain may not be ruining your day, it is important to remember that the pain is an indicator that something else is happening in your body. Only a medical or dental professional can diagnose and treat the problem and it is better to address it soon before it is more complicated.