What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?

What your dentist in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan wants you to knowjaw pain

Jaw pain can be acute, happening suddenly, or it can develop into chronic pain that you deal with on a day-to-day basis. Whatever type of jaw pain you have, it’s important to determine what is causing your jaw pain, so you can start treatment and get relief. Dr. Keith Bever Jr. and Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan want to share some of the common causes of jaw pain and what can be done about them.

You might be experiencing jaw pain from something as simple as grinding your teeth at night. If you wake up with sore jaws in the morning, earaches, or headaches, you could be grinding your teeth at night. Night grinding doesn’t just cause jaw pain. It can wear your teeth down, causing you to need restorative treatment and even root canals.

If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night, we can create a nightguard, custom made to fit over your teeth. The nightguard helps to relax your jaws and keep you from wearing down your teeth.

Temporomandibular joint problems are also a frequent cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint, commonly known as the TMJ, can shift out of place causing friction, swelling and pain in your jaws. TMJ inflammation causes tightness and decreased motion, resulting in stiffness and pain. TMJ pain can radiate into your face, ears, neck and head. You may also notice a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your jaws.

There are several therapies Dr. Bever may recommend, including:

  • Stretching and physical therapy
  • Medications including muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories
  • Custom splints to wear at night

These are just a few causes of jaw pain. To find out for sure what is causing your jaw pain, you need the help of an expert. You need to call Dr. Keith Bever Jr. and Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Don’t suffer from jaw pain, call today!

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