Jaw pain can be caused by a variety of dental problems. Oftentimes, jaw pain can be treated with a simple pain reliever. However, if you experience jaw pain that does not get better or worsens with time, it is a smart move to consider consulting your dentist or doctor.
Drs. Blaisdell at Blaisdell Family Dentistry is available to evaluate your jaw pain and help determine the cause.
Some typical causes of jaw pain are:
- Frequent grinding of the teeth
- Infections or injuries
- Toothaches or tension headaches
- Arthritis
- Wisdom teeth or tooth decay
- Dental abscesses
- Gum disease
When should I go to urgent care dental for jaw pain?
- If the pain is too excruciating to handle
- If the pain from the jaw spreads to anywhere else in the face or the neck or if it is hard to move your mouth
- If it’s hard to eat, drink or swallow
- If you develop a fever or swelling
Ways to treat jaw pain at home:
- Hot and cold compresses
- Pain relievers
- Massaging the jaw
- Trying to destress and relax
What happens when jaw pain is left untreated?
It can be dangerous to leave jaw pain to subside on its own. You never know what exactly is causing your jaw pain, and leaving certain causes untreated can have effects. For example, you may not know that you have an infection, tooth decay, or gingivitis (gum disease) until you consult your dentist. Leaving any of these things untreated can lead to further pain and complications.
In most cases, jaw pain does not require immediate medical attention. However, it is good to know that if the pain persists, is too much to handle, or spreads to other areas of the body, that you can seek counsel from a professional. The cause may be something more pressing than a cavity or tooth grinding.
Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:
208-377-9696
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709