Suffering from jaw aches is an uncomfortable situation. Many find it challenging to find ease in the discomfort they are experiencing. Some have tried multiple pain relief options to help ease the discomfort and find the issue still lingers.
Jaw aches and pains are a common occurrence. For a small percentage of people, their jaw problems could be caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Aside from rheumatoid arthritis, there are multiple causes of jaw aches. If you are experiencing jaw aches, here are some common causes and treatments to consider trying.
Having Misaligned Teeth
Crooked teeth can cause some to feel self-conscious. The perfect smile is something many wish to have. It is a desirable feature many invest to achieve. However, straight teeth are more than aesthetically appealing. Misaligned teeth can be a contributing factor to a person experiencing jaw aches. Having straighter teeth can help reduce the chances of a person being in discomfort over an aching jaw.
Helping to ease jaw aches is one of the many health benefits of straight teeth. For those interested in investing in teeth straightening in the UK, you might consider options such as Straight My Teeth. Teeth straightening procedures, such as getting braces. Contrary to common belief, adults can wear braces depending on their teeth. Braces are often the most associated with being worn by younger generations at school. Adults can wear braces, but it is best to speak with a professional in that field to see if you are eligible. If you qualify, you can begin treatment to get straighter teeth. It will help you to showcase a smile you feel comfortable with and may also experience far less discomfort than before.
Habit Of Grinding Teeth
Grinding or clenching our teeth is a habit some of us are guilty of. It is a habit many of us do without even realising. Continually doing this habit can create tension in your teeth and jaw. In addition to this, the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the jaw are also affected by the tension.
Tension in the jaw can cause you to experience severe pain. Some might experience headaches and earaches due to grinding and clenching their teeth. Many find themselves grinding their teeth whilst they sleep, which means they cannot stop themselves from doing it. Those who grind their teeth when they are awake at least might be aware that they are doing it and can attempt to stop.
If you have aches in your jaw from grinding your teeth at night, consider speaking with your doctor. They could recommend that you wear a mouth guard whilst you sleep to help prevent you from grinding your teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Coming Through
Many of us will likely experience the discomfort our wisdom teeth can cause. They are also known for causing a person to experience jaw aches. Between the ages of 17-25 is when our wisdom teeth begin to come into our mouths. When our wisdom teeth eventually come through, it can cause significant pain in the jaw. This is because the newer teeth can shift our teeth' alignment and even cause pressure in the jaw, which causes us to be in significant discomfort.
One way to tell if your wisdom tooth is causing you pain is that you might feel a new tooth pushing through at the back of your gums. If you are between the ages of 17-25 and can feel what seems to be a tooth coming through, then the chances are high that a growing wisdom tooth is causing you to experience pain in your jaw.
If you are unsure if it is a wisdom tooth coming through or not, book an appointment with your dentist. They can check for you and clarify whether or not it is your wisdom tooth that is causing you to be experiencing pain in your jaw.
The Bottom Line
With any oral aches or pains that you are experiencing, booking a visit with your dentist should be at the top of your list. They are experts in this field and will be able to help diagnose any oral health issues they discover during a check-up. With a reported 39% of adults in the UK not visiting the dentist regularly, this could further increase the chances of experiencing dental discomfort or prolonging the pain you find yourself in. In addition, the sooner you are seen, the sooner treatment can begin to resolve any issues discovered. This can help reduce the time you are in pain and allow you to carry on with your daily tasks without an aching feeling in your jaw.
There you have it, a few common causes behind jaw aches, and what treatments could help you ease the discomfort. Keep some of these in mind when you next begin to experience jaw ache.
