Jaw pain can be alarming especially when it begins to affect your ability to eat speak smile or sleep comfortably. It may feel like soreness stiffness pressure clicking or even a sharp ache that spreads to your ear or temple. Because the jaw is connected to many muscles nerves and bones it is sensitive to a wide range of issues. At Concord Family Dental Metairie we help patients understand the cause of their jaw pain and find gentle effective relief.

If your jaw has been hurting this guide explains the most common causes and when it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Understanding Jaw Pain

Your jaw uses many moving parts including the temporomandibular joint or TMJ the surrounding muscles your bite alignment and your teeth. When any part of this system becomes irritated strained or unbalanced you may feel discomfort. Some causes are mild and temporary but others require attention from a dental professional or a periodontist new orleans depending on the condition.

Common Causes of Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMJ disorder is one of the most frequent causes of jaw pain. When the joint becomes inflamed or strained symptoms can include jaw clicking jaw locking headaches facial soreness or pain near the ears. Stress teeth grinding and bite problems often contribute.

Teeth Grinding or Clenching

Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. This places pressure on the jaw muscles and can lead to headaches tooth wear and morning jaw soreness. A custom night guard can help relieve this pressure.

Tooth Infection or Gum Disease

Infections can cause pain that radiates into the jaw. Gum disease may also cause jaw discomfort especially when the condition becomes advanced. A periodontist new orleans may assist if gum or bone health is affected.

Impacted Teeth

When a tooth such as a wisdom tooth becomes impacted it can place pressure on the jaw and surrounding tissues.

Jaw Injury

A fall or accident may injure the jaw even if symptoms appear later.

Arthritis

Certain forms of arthritis affect the jaw joint and can lead to chronic stiffness soreness and a limited range of motion.

Sinus Pressure

Because the sinuses sit close to the upper jaw inflammation can cause discomfort that feels like dental pain.

When You Should See a Dentist for Jaw Pain

You should schedule a visit with Concord Family Dental Metairie if you experience any of the following:

Pain that lasts longer than a few days
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
Pain while chewing or speaking
Jaw clicking or popping with discomfort
Swelling in the jaw or face
Headaches or earaches linked to jaw movement
Tenderness near a specific tooth
Tightness that worsens with stress

Prompt evaluation helps identify the cause early and prevents the condition from worsening.

How Dentists Diagnose Jaw Pain

Diagnosis begins with a conversation about your symptoms followed by a gentle examination of your mouth jaw muscles bite alignment and teeth. Digital images may be taken to check for hidden problems such as infections impacted teeth or changes in the jaw joint.

This detailed evaluation allows your dentist to create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Jaw Pain

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Custom Night Guard

If grinding is responsible a custom night guard reduces pressure and protects your teeth.

TMJ Therapy

This may include gentle stretches heat therapy medication for inflammation or adjustments to your bite.

Restorative Dental Care

Uneven or damaged teeth can impact your bite and strain your jaw. Treatments such as dental crowns new orleans or clear aligners new orleans can help restore balance and reduce discomfort.

Treatment for Infection

If an infection is present prompt treatment is necessary to eliminate pain and protect your oral health.

Extraction of Impacted Teeth

If an impacted tooth is creating pressure your dentist may recommend removal.

Gum Treatment

If gum disease is affecting the jaw joint or teeth a periodontist new orleans may be part of your care plan.

At Home Relief Strategies

While waiting for dental care or managing mild symptoms you can try:

Warm compresses over the jaw
Gentle jaw stretches
Relaxation exercises to reduce clenching
Soft foods during flare ups
Good posture throughout the day

Your dentist can provide personalized guidance based on your symptoms.

When Jaw Pain Requires Immediate Attention

Seek urgent care if you experience:

Severe swelling
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Sudden inability to open the mouth
Intense pain that rapidly worsens

These may indicate infection or injury.

Find Relief at Concord Family Dental Metairie

Jaw pain can disrupt your daily comfort but with the right care you can find lasting relief. At Concord Family Dental Metairie we take a compassionate technology centered approach to diagnosing and treating jaw discomfort. Whether your pain is caused by grinding inflammation bite issues gum disease or another concern our team is ready to help.

We also offer cosmetic and restorative services including teeth whitening new orleans clear aligners new orleans and dental bridges new orleans so your smile stays strong healthy and confident.