Common Causes of Severe Jaw Pain
Severe jaw pain can be caused by a variety of factors. It's important to identify the underlying cause in order to treat the problem effectively.
TMJ Syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder of the jaw joint caused by inflammation or misalignment of the joint. It can cause pain or difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, as well as clicking, popping or grinding noises when the jaw is moved.
Dental Problems
Dental problems such as decay, abscesses and impacted teeth can cause jaw pain. Jaw pain can also be caused by a broken tooth or an injury to the jaw.
Infections
Infections in the jaw, such as a sinus infection or an abscess, can cause severe jaw pain. Infections can also occur in the jaw bone, which may require antibiotics to treat.
Stress
Stress can cause the muscles in the jaw to become tense, leading to pain and discomfort.
Arthritis
Arthritis of the jaw joint can cause pain and inflammation. This can lead to difficulty in eating or talking.
Cancer
Jaw pain can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, such as oral cancer or lymphoma. It's important to get any jaw pain checked out by a doctor to rule out any serious medical conditions.
