What is Causing My Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain when you’re eating or talking is not normal. A clicking sound in the jaw is not normal either. Both are signs that there is a jaw painpotential oral health problem that needs to be treated by a dentist. In many cases, the problem is TMJ (short for Temporomandibular disorder). Find out the various potential causes of your pain, including TMJ, and how it can be treated by Dr. James Hutson at his Marietta, GA, dental office.

The Discomfort of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is disruptive to your everyday routine because it makes it difficult to eat and talk. Some tougher foods like steak may be impossible to chew for proper digestion when there’s too much pain in the jaw. It’s also hard to focus on your work or a conversation with someone if you’re constantly thinking about the clicking sound coming from the side of your face (common with TMJ disorders). 

Probable Causes of Jaw Pain
One National Health Interview Survey found that about 3.5 percent of men and 6.9 percent of women in the United States report pain in the jaw. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing jaw pain:

- TMJ disorder (an inflammation of the hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw)
- Poor bite positioning
- Tooth clenching and grinding
- Yelling and screaming for long periods of time, such as at a ballgame
- Fibromyalgia (a painful, nerve-related problem)

Jaw Pain Solutions
There is likely a dental solution for many of the causes of jaw pain. Here are common treatments offered at Dr. Hutson’s Marietta dentist office:

- Orthodontics if the problem is bite-related
- A crown or bridge restoration if a damaged or missing tooth is the problem
- Mouth guards to stop grinding and clenching when sleeping
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to ease inflammation and pain
- Stretching exercises and ice or heat therapy

Get Jaw Pain Help
If you’re feeling jaw pain often, don’t let too much more time pass before you see Dr. Hutson at his Marietta, GA, dentist office. Call (770) 424-7525 today to schedule a TMJ jaw examination.

Contact Us

Call Today (770) 424-7525
707 Whitlock Ave. SW, Suite B22
Marietta, GA 30064

Dentist in Marietta, GA
James Hutson, DDS, PC
707 Whitlock Ave. SW, Suite B22
Marietta, Ga 30064
(770) 424-7525
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