Why You Shouldn't Ignore Frequent Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is sometimes related to tooth problems, such as cavities, cracks, fractures, or infections. Other times, it might be linked to muscle tension from stress, especially if you grind or clench your teeth at night. In some cases, jaw pain can signal an issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a small, hinge-like joint that connects your jaw to your skull.

At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, we see jaw-related problems more often than you might think. In fact, jaw pain is frequently rooted in dental issues that can worsen if left untreated. The causes can range from mild and easily treatable to more severe, like TMJ disorders or bone deterioration. 

An occasional twinge might not be anything to worry about. But if your jaw pain keeps coming back, or never really goes away, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. If you’re experiencing jaw pain more than a few times a week, especially over several weeks or months, that’s frequent.

Whether it turns out to be something simple or an issue that needs a bit more attention, coming in to see Nancy Horton, DMD, and our team can ease your mind, rule out worst-case scenarios, and get you the treatment you need.

Common causes of jaw pain

Jaw pain might begin as a tightness near your ear or a little discomfort when chewing. One of the most common causes is clenching or grinding your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Many people do it in their sleep without realizing it, and over time, it puts pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, wearing them down and causing inflammation.

TMJ disorders are another culprit. These disorders affect the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull and can result in pain, popping, stiffness, or even the jaw locking in place temporarily. Some TMJ issues are caused by injury or arthritis, while others result from long-term strain on the muscles and joint tissue.

Dental issues can also be to blame. Infections in the teeth, gums, or jawbone can cause jaw pain. So can cracked or impacted teeth. In some rare cases, jaw pain may even signal something more serious, like nerve damage or, in very rare instances, cancer. 

The earlier we catch these problems, the more straightforward and effective the treatment tends to be. Waiting can make things worse, especially when bacteria or joint inflammation are involved.

What does “frequent” mean?

Let’s clarify what we mean when we say “frequent” jaw pain:

• Occurs more than once a week
• Lasts more than a few days
• Comes back even after taking pain relievers
• Disrupts sleep, eating, or talking
• Feels like it’s getting worse over time

Even if your pain feels manageable, it often points to an underlying issue that won’t go away on its own. Seeking treatment can help you prevent more severe damage later on.

What to expect when you come in

When you schedule a visit for jaw pain at OneSource Dental, we start by talking through your symptoms. When did the pain start? What does it feel like? Does it get worse when you chew, yawn, or wake up in the morning?

From there, we’ll examine your jaw, teeth, and bite, and in some cases, take X-rays to rule out structural issues or signs of infection. We’ll check the alignment of your bite and look for signs of grinding, inflammation, or joint dysfunction.

Depending on the cause, treatment might be as simple as a night guard to protect against grinding. It could also involve biofeedback to learn muscle relaxation or orthodontic treatment to correct a bite issue. If you’re dealing with jaw pain more days than not, schedule a consultation with us today or call 813-879-9299.