I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
Does your entire jaw hurt? Maybe the sensation comes and goes throughout the day, or perhaps it is a constant ache or pain. Jaw pain should not be ignored, since it can be a symptom of an underlying problem, such as the following:
Grinding your teeth.
Pay attention throughout the day. Are you grinding or clenching your teeth when you feel stressed out or anxious? Many people do this and are not aware of it until they start watching themselves for the behavior. Some people grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night – ask your partner or a friend to observe you in your sleep and let you know if you're doing this.
Grinding your teeth can lead not only to jaw pain, but also enamel loss and damage to fillings. Your dentist can recommend a mouth guard to keep you from grinding at night. If you grind during the day, try pinching yourself or engaging in another distracting activity whenever you catch yourself doing it. Stress relief techniques, like yoga and meditation, may also help you manage your anxiety without grinding.
Tooth abscess.
Usually, abscessed teeth cause localized pain in the tooth itself and in the portion of the jaw just below the tooth. However, if the abscess is pressing on a nerve in just the right way, it may cause generalized jaw pain that you can't quite pinpoint to one tooth or location. Other signs of an abscess include redness or swelling in an area of your gums, appearance of a pus pocket on your gums, and a fever. If you think you may have a tooth abscess, contact your dentist right away. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of having to have the tooth removed – or having the infection spread through your body.
Arthritis.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, and it can occur in the joints of your jaw. If your jaw feels not only painful, but also stiff, then arthritis is a possible culprit. Often, the condition is worse when you have not moved your jaw in a while and lessens as you continue to move your jaw throughout the day. Your dentist can diagnose arthritis of the jaw with x-rays, and if you do indeed have this condition, treatment may involve taking anti-inflammatory medications and performing certain exercises on a regular basis. There's no cure for arthritis, but treatments can make your pain more manageable.
For more information, go to sites of local dentists
Share17 December 2015
