Have you noticed that your jaw, cheeks, or face feel achy or tender? If you’re hurting, it’s only natural to wonder what’s behind your discomfort and how to address it. While some medical concerns, like the common cold or sinus infections, can mimic these symptoms, there’s a good chance that the underlying issue is actually connected to your teeth.
There are several oral concerns that can cause facial pain that require your dentist’s help to identify and address. Continue reading to learn 3 potential reasons for your sore tissues and how your provider can help!
Condition #1: Abscessed Tooth
Did you know that oral infections can be contagious? If bacteria in your mouth penetrate your enamel or connective tissues, it can cause irritation and inflammation in the tender nerves located in your teeth and gums. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more likely it is to spread to nearby teeth or your jawbone. This can result in throbbing that radiates from your jaw to your ear, neck, and other parts of the face.
In many instances, a root canal procedure can alleviate adverse sensations and address the underlying infection. Then, once your tooth is sterilized to prevent a repeat occurrence, your dentist will likely provide a dental crown to restore its appearance and functionality.
Condition #2: TMJ Disorder
If your jaw feels particularly stiff or sore, especially when you first wake up in the morning, your discomfort might be due to bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. Although this condition can occur during the day, it’s more common at night and affects your jaw while you sleep. All the added pressure from constantly clenching down can irritate the TMJ (temporomandibular joints) that anchor your jawbone to your skull just in front of your ears. Once the muscles and ligaments surrounding them become inflamed, the ensuing ache can extend into your face, ears, neck, and shoulders.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to wear at night that cushions your upper and lower arches. This allows your jaw joints sufficient rest and recovery while you sleep peacefully at night.
Condition #3: Dry Socket
Sometimes, adverse effects following a major procedure can cause tenderness in your jaw, neck, or face, too. For example, if you’ve recently had a tooth removed, it’s essential that your mouth forms a blood clot over the exposed bone tissue and nerves. If bacteria in your mouth penetrate the site, it can cause an incredibly painful complication known as dry socket. This can result in severe throbbing that can spread towards your eyes, ears, temples, or neck on the same side of your face as the recently removed tooth. If you suspect this is the culprit, you’ll need to contact your dentist so they can examine your condition and ensure you’re healing as intended.
Regardless of the underlying cause, your dentist will do everything possible to help you feel comfortable while addressing the issue to preserve your oral health.
About the Practice
At Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth, patients benefit from a team of dentists passionate about helping families in Long Beach enhance their lives by improving their dental condition. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including tooth extractions, to people of all ages. Their caring approach, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, delivers accurate and comfortable treatments for results intended to last. If you’re hurting and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (516) 517-0331.