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Jaw Pain: The Top 4 Causes and How to Treat Them



You wake up one morning and when you open your mouth to brush your teeth, you can’t help but groan in pain. What on earth is going on? Jaw pain is no laughing matter, but it can also be quite confusing when you aren’t sure what the cause of the problem might be.


#1 TMJ

If you experience jaw pain for more than a few days, it’s likely that you’re suffering from TMJ. TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, causes jaw pain because of improper alignment in your jaw joints. It can occur in one or both sides of your jaw and is caused by factors such as stress or trauma to your teeth and joints. To learn how you can treat TMJ pain using home remedies, continue reading! #2 OTC Medications: Some medications may cause jaw pain due to dry mouth. Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics and diuretics may cause side effects like dry mouth. This dryness can lead to jaw pain if not treated with an over-the-counter remedy like Biotene Oral Balance Spray or Biotene Dry Mouth Lozenges.


#2 Injuries from trauma

If you’ve injured your jaw, you’re not alone. Since 85% of all jaw pain is due to musculoskeletal reasons, jaw pain from injuries can be caused by sports or car accidents, falls, and other activities that cause trauma to your body. #3 Bruxism: If you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw during waking hours, there are two possible consequences: 1) You could damage your teeth; 2) You could end up with a chronic condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Both options aren’t very pleasant! That said if you have a grinding habit/clenching issue it may be time for mouth guards. #4 Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD): This disorder affects about 5-8% of adults over 18 years old and causes jaw pain in one or both sides of your face. TMJD is usually related to bruxism but can also be linked to stress, injury, arthritis, and poor oral hygiene habits. Some symptoms include clicking sounds when opening or closing your jaw and earaches in one side of your head while chewing food on one side only.


#3 Bruxism (Grinding Teeth)

Jaw pain caused by teeth grinding is one of those things that doesn’t just have to occur at night. If you tend to clench your jaw throughout the day, it can cause immense pressure and lead to frequent headaches or jaw pain. In these cases, your dentist will offer a splint that will help keep your teeth apart during periods of stress, like when you're resting or sleeping. With professional care, patients with bruxism who take preventative measures often see considerable improvement within weeks. This isn't something that usually resolves itself on its own. Treatment for jaw pain from grinding must be tailored around individual needs in order for sufferers' overall oral health not to suffer—and for their headaches and migraines caused by bruxism-related pain not return. #4 TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder): This disorder causes extreme pain in both joints where your lower jaw meets your skull. It's also referred to as TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. TMJ disorder occurs when either one or both of these joints become inflamed due to improper alignment and overuse. Because there are so many muscles attached to them, they are prone to strain and injury easily—especially if you grind your teeth while asleep or clench them during stressful situations throughout the day.


#4 OTC Products for Jaw Pain

The easiest way to treat jaw pain is with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Advil. By numbing up your jaw, you can manage your discomfort and get relief from many different jaw ailments. When using these products, make sure you choose one that contains Ibuprofen rather than aspirin or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is a much stronger anti-inflammatory agent than other OTC remedies, meaning it will help relieve your pain more effectively. As always, consult with your doctor before taking any new medications. #3 Sore Jaw Syndrome: If you have jaw pain after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, you may be suffering from Sore Jaw Syndrome. To treat it, simply cut back on those items for a few days while taking ibuprofen as directed above to control inflammation in your jaw joint. After 2–3 days of reducing acidity in your diet, most cases of Sore Jaw Syndrome should clear up completely. #2 TMJ Disorder: TMJ disorder refers to any kind of pain associated with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This includes any issues related to opening and closing your mouth properly as well as painful clicks or pops when doing so.

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