Jaw pain is one of those nagging discomforts that many people brush off. Whether it creeps in during stress or flares up while chewing, it’s easy to dismiss as temporary or minor. However, ignoring jaw pain can lead to more serious complications and impact your overall wellbeing in unexpected ways. This blog post takes a closer look at the hidden dangers of ignoring jaw pain.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
A common cause of jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder, affecting the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. While symptoms can be mild at first, such as clicking sounds, stiffness or minor discomfort, TMJ can progress into chronic pain, restricted jaw movement or headaches, neck pain and earaches. Left untreated, it can disrupt daily life and make eating or speaking difficult.
Dental Issues
Jaw pain may signify dental issues like infections, impacted teeth or bruxism (teeth grinding). Bruxism can slowly wear down tooth enamel, cause fractures and strain jaw muscles, especially if it occurs at night. Over time, this can lead to costly dental procedures and long-term damage.
Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can play a significant role. People who experience chronic stress or anxiety may clench their jaw on a regular basis without realising it, causing tension and inflammation. Addressing the root cause along with the physical symptoms is the key to getting lasting relief from both jaw pain and underlying stress and anxiety.
Make an Appointment Today
The bottom line is that your jaw isn’t supposed to hurt. Persistent or recurring pain is a message from your body that something is off. Seeking timely care from a dentist or doctor can help to diagnose the cause, relieve pain and prevent further complications.
Contact Bundoora Family Dental Clinic today to make an appointment.