You may not give chewing or speaking a second thought until you experience an unpleasant sensation known as jaw pain. Jaw pain is any discomfort associated with the jaw and can sometimes radiate to other areas of the face. While jaw pain may come and go, that is not always the case. We’re sharing three causes of jaw pain to help you better understand what may be causing your discomfort.

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to each side of the skull. When the TMJ overworks or becomes damaged, jaw pain, discomfort, and many other symptoms may develop. At this point, a patient may be suffering from TMJ disorder. While TMJ disorder is not always severe, it may still impact day-to-day life when it comes to eating, speaking, or sleeping.

Wisdom Teeth Growth

Pain from wisdom teeth is a dental problem we commonly see in patients. Many patients do not have enough space for their wisdom teeth to come through their gums. There is also the chance for a wisdom tooth to become impacted and run into other teeth. Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, their growth can be a cause of jaw pain.

Uneven Bite

Did you know that an uneven bite can result in jaw pain? That’s why some patients opt for Invisalign® or similar treatment. While a straighter smile is one of the perks, so is elimination of the jaw pain that can accompany crooked and misaligned teeth.

Relieve Jaw Pain at Middletown Commons Family Dental

There are even more things that can cause jaw pain including ear infections, other dental problems or trauma from sports or an accident. It can be difficult to tell what exactly is causing your jaw pain without the help of a professional. Dr. Ward and our Louisville dental team have years of experience treating jaw pain for patients. If you would like to schedule a consultation to learn how to eliminate your jaw pain, contact us today!