When is Jaw Pain a Sign of Something More Serious?
Posted on August 15, 2023
Jaw pain is a common complaint that many people have at some point in their lives. Despite its frequency, many people don’t seek out a doctor or periodontist to address the issue. Jaw pain can result from a myriad of issues, from dental problems to muscle strains. But if the affliction is too much, Dr. Adam Ohayon, a trusted periodontist in Whitby specializing in dental implants, gum grafting, TMJ treatments, and many other services, may be able to help you.
To learn more about when your jaw pain is something, you should visit a periodontist about.
Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease
Started by plaque that builds up into tartar, gingivitis can become gum disease with little warning. When you are affected by gum disease, seeking treatment is critical to maintaining your oral health and ensuring the longevity of your tooth. Jaw pain is one of the more identifiable symptoms of gum disease, especially when paired with other indicators like gum recession, bleeding gums, or swelling. If you’re concerned about gum disease, talk to our team of experts at The Perio Centre. Our periodontal specialists will assess the progression of the disease and provide tailored solutions like gum grafting and dental implants to restore your health.
Gum Recession
Gum recession can be linked to intense jaw pain because it exposes tooth roots to external conditions, increasing sensitivity and susceptibility to infection. While gum disease can be one cause of gum recession, there are many other catalysts for the troubling condition, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), aggressive brushing, smoking, genetics, tooth alignment, and trauma to the gums. If you see a change in your gum line that seems concerning, or if your dentist has raised concern, set up a consultation with a periodontist in Whitby, like the trusted Dr. Adam Ohayon at The Perio Centre.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ
Studies show that TMJ disorder affects anywhere from 5 to 12% of the population. Despite persistent discomfort and pain, many people don’t access care from a medical professional like a periodontist. In fact, TMJ disorder is often undiagnosed, which can stop people from reaching out for the appropriate care. Directly affecting the jaw, TMJ issues lead to tension in the jaw, headaches, facial pain, ear pain, difficulty chewing or eating, and trouble opening the jaw. If you or someone you love has been struggling with these symptoms or notice increased neck pain or tinnitus (ringing in the ears, dizziness, or sound sensitivity, reach out to The Perio Centre. From diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, our periodontist serving Whitby will help you get the relief you deserve.
Tooth & Bone Loss
When a tooth has been knocked or is missing aging gum disease or another cause, it increases the progression of bone loss. When a tooth root does not stimulate the jaw bone, the bone will start to recede, resulting in pain and more tooth loss if not addressed and treated by a periodontist. At The Perio Centre, we provide advanced dental implants that restore functionality to the jaw, mitigate pain, and ensure the longevity of your smile. To find out if dental implants are the right fit for you, talk to a trusted and experienced periodontist.
The Trusted Periodontists Serving Whitby & Oshawa
At The Perio Centre, our team of experienced medical professionals will help you get to the bottom of your jaw pain and enhance your comfort using advanced equipment and years of experience, so you can get back to enjoying the finer things in life.