Jaw pain is a common and frustrating problem, and it usually isn’t a major issue if it goes away on its own after a day or two. However, jaw pain that is chronic or so uncomfortable that it interferes with your daily life may require the attention of a qualified emergency dentist. Here’s a quick guide to why your jaw may only hurt on one side and how your oral health professional can help restore your comfort.
Bruxism Can Irritate Your Jaw
Bruxism, also called teeth grinding, is a common habit that many people do as a stress response while awake or involuntarily when they sleep. Unfortunately, the unnecessary strain grinding and clenching put on the teeth can lead to serious oral health issues like enamel erosion and gum recession and can gradually force the jaw out of proper alignment. Many people favor one side or the other when grinding, which can lead to uneven jaw pain. Your dentist may recommend being more mindful of this habit or using a nightguard when you go to bed, and they may be able to address damage with an appropriate restorative treatment.
Dental Misalignments Can Be Uncomfortable
Alignment issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can improperly distribute the pressure of chewing across the teeth and may lead to issues like trouble eating and speaking, enamel erosion, and uneven jaw pain. Thankfully, dentists can address this problem with an orthodontic treatment such as traditional braces or Invisalign.
Gum Disease Can Happen on One Side of the Mouth
About half of American adults have some form of gum disease, and these insidious infections usually start as seemingly negligible inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. While gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene if caught in its early stages, it will eventually advance to the far more destructive stage of periodontitis if allowed to progress. The inflammation this causes can disrupt the normal functioning of the jaw joints, but your dentist can address the problem with an appropriate gum disease treatment.
Don’t let jaw pain frustrate you with constant discomfort. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how you can keep all the moving parts of your mouth in working order for life.
About the Practice
White Clay Dental Associates offers the finest oral healthcare in Newark. Led by Drs. Donald T. Bond and Timothy D. Ganfield, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about jaw pain, contact the office online or dial the front desk at (302) 731-4225.