Jaw and tooth pain aren't always associated with a serious health problem, but they can be a symptom of an underlying issue that requires treatment. Whether the discomfort comes on suddenly, throbs non-stop, or feels tolerable, it's important that you understand the potential causes of mouth pain so you can stay healthy and get back to focusing on your day-to-day routine.
Surprisingly, dental pain doesn't always mean there's a dental health issue going on. In fact, a number of general health issues can mimic dental problems, causing you to look in the wrong place.
Feel sick? The common cold often leads to congestion in your sinuses, which can show itself in the form of a runny or stuffy nose, headache, or even the sensation of pain in your upper teeth. This is because all that pressure in your sinuses right above your mouth can impact the nerves of your upper teeth, leading to tooth pain.
Aside from putting pressure on the nerves in your upper teeth, sinus congestion can cause minor swelling, which could temporarily change your bite. As a result, you may be closing your mouth or chewing differently than normal without even realizing it. After a few days, this misalignment can lead to jaw pain, too.
An underactive thyroid can cause a number of problems, but jaw pain is one of the lesser-known symptoms. If you begin to experience spasms in your jaw or you experience pain as you try to open your mouth (known as temporomandibular joint syndrome, or "TMJ"), you should consider your thyroid health.
Additionally, thyroid problems make you more prone to a dry mouth, which in turn encourages bacterial growth that can cause cavities. If you have a good oral hygiene routine but your dentist finds one or more cavities, remember that internal health issues like thyroid problems are a big contributing factor to the health of your teeth.
Ever wondered, where cold sores come from? Most adults carry the herpes simplex virus 1 (or HSV-1) without even knowing it. While many of them may never experience the characteristic side effect commonly referred to as "cold sores," you might eventually have one appear in or around your mouth.
Cold sores are painful and itchy sores that develop in some adults with HSV-1, and they usually go away on their own in about 10 days. However, HSV-1 can also cause other oral side effects, including red, swollen, and painful gums. If you experience short periods of these symptoms that go away on their own but later come back at random, ask your dentist to test for HSV-1.
Now that you're familiar with some of the general health issues that can cause tooth or jaw pain, you may be able to rule them out. If that's the case, here's a look at the most common oral health problems that can cause mouth pain and may be impacting your lifestyle.
Cavities do not always result in discomfort, but they can certainly be a cause of tooth pain — especially if they have become large enough to expose the pulp of your tooth, which encloses the highly sensitive nerves within.
Over time, cavities will continue to grow, because they are caused by a bacterial infection. However, you won't be able to spot a cavity on your own. Cavities can occur in between teeth or at any point on the surface of your tooth, which means they may only be revealed by dental X-rays.
If you see a black dot on your tooth or you're experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, pain, or discomfort in your mouth, it could be a sign of a cavity. Getting it cleaned out and filled as soon as possible is crucial to preserving your teeth and gums.
When cavities are not treated in time, the bacterial infection can worsen to the point of creating an abscess or infection within the tooth. Dental work and injuries to your mouth can also lead to tooth infections.
Aside from persistent pain, you might experience a foul odor, foul taste, sensitivity when chewing, a fever, swelling in your cheek or face, swollen lymph nodes, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. As the infection worsens, more of these symptoms will begin to occur.
If left untreated, tooth infections can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart. If you believe you have a tooth infection, it's important that you address it right away as it could lead to life-threatening complications.
Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums caused by plaque buildup as a result of poor dental hygiene. While you can reverse gingivitis by brushing and flossing regularly, without rigorous treatment, it can progress into periodontitis (gum disease). This is a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and also increase your risk of heart and lung disease.
Periodontitis occurs when plaque is allowed to stay on the teeth, turning it into calculus, which is impossible to remove with brushing alone. As such, periodontitis must be treated by a dental professional. The symptoms include sensitive gums, swelling, loose teeth, and a sore mouth.
A toothache or jaw pain can easily become distracting, but it's helpful to know that your discomfort might not be related to a dental health issue. Now that you have a better idea of what can cause mouth pain, it's important to take the necessary steps to help address it so you can get back to living a healthy lifestyle.
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