Tooth Pain and Jaw Pain Symptoms Defined

A bunch of problems can lead to tooth or jaw pain. As our Howell, MI, family dentist takes a closer look at your teeth and jaws, he will go over these questions to determine what’s wrong:

1.    Could it be your wisdom teeth?

Whether you’re a baby or a young adult, teething hurts. You’ll likely feel pressure and pain when wisdom teeth erupt or get stuck beneath the gum line.

2.    Could it be an impaired tooth?

Every day, your teeth are under attack. They are susceptible to cavities, cracks, and other damage—which can all expose the tooth’s inner layers and lead to discomfort.

Every time you eat or drink, bacteria cling to the teeth until you manually scrub them away. These bacteria thrive on sugars and carbohydrates, producing an acidic byproduct. Over time, the acid from bacteria drills holes in the enamel called cavities.

Were you just in a traumatic accident or have a habit of chewing hard objects, like ice? While enamel is strong, trauma quickly weakens and cracks it.

Furthermore, if you have a cavity or crack that is deep enough to affect the pulp (the innermost layer of a tooth), you’re likely to face infection. Over time, bacteria seep into deep cracks or cavities; pus builds up to form an abscess. When not treated in time, this deep tooth infection can spread to the jawbone and cause jaw pain too.

3.    Could it be worn-down teeth?

Enamel protects the inside of the tooth, but it can wear away over time and expose the nerve endings in the teeth.

4.    Could it be your gums?

Surprisingly, your gums could be causing your toothache. When gums recede (or shrink away from the teeth), the tooth roots become exposed. Gum disease and brushing too hard can cause gum recession.

5.    Do you regularly grind your teeth?

Some people grind their teeth because of sleep disorders, a bite issue, or stress. If you’re not wearing a night guard and are guilty of grinding your teeth at night, it’s possible to have worn down or cracked enamel.

6.    Could it be a problem outside of the mouth?

The body is interconnected, and tooth pain or jaw pain could signify an issue somewhere else in the body. Referred pain can come from migraines, sinus infections, and TMJ disorder.