Four Ways A Dental Examination Can Help With Jaw Pain
You may have jaw pain or discomfort that is not caused by a dental problem. You may be worried about the condition of your teeth and gums, but your jaw pain does not seem to be related to any dental issues.
If you feel pain in your mouth, it's important to see a dentist who can examine you and find out what's causing the problem. Here are four ways a dental examination can help with jaw pain:
1. A Dental Examination Can Identify Other Health Issues
A thorough examination will provide information about many aspects of your health, such as your overall medical history, risk factors and potential problems that may be causing your pain (such as TMJ disorder). A dentist can also recommend ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong so they last longer and protect you from more serious problems down the road.
2. A Dental Examination Can Diagnose Oral Health Problems
A dental exam may reveal an oral health issue that could be causing or contributing to your jaw pain. For example, if you have periodontal disease (gum disease), this could be the reason for your discomfort in certain areas of the mouth such as between your teeth or on one side of your face, which causes facial swelling around the ear area or cheekbone area (thus creating TMJ-like symptoms). Or perhaps you are in need of a dental filling or two.
3. A Dental Examination Can Identify Bruxism
Bruxism is a common dental condition that causes teeth grinding and clenching. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you may wake up with jaw pain and headaches. A dental examination can help identify if you are experiencing bruxism. Your dentist can offer treatment options during your general dentistry appointment to reduce or eliminate bruxism symptoms.
4. A Dental Examination Can Help You Avoid Surgery
Jaw surgery is an extreme measure that should only be taken when absolutely necessary — after all, your mouth is where you eat food, speak and drink. If you're experiencing jaw pain, seeing a dentist can help determine whether surgery is truly necessary or if there are other options available to ease your discomfort without resorting to such drastic measures.
A dental examination is a great way to ensure that your mouth is healthy and free of disease. General dentistry can also help you identify any issues that may be causing you pain in your jaw or face. For more information on jaw pain, make contact for a dental examination today.
Share