Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can put you out of commission because of how severe it can be. However, because of its location and the responsibilities it holds, TMJ pain can often feel like dental pain. If you have jaw pain and aren’t sure if it’s TMJ disorder or a toothache, keep reading to learn more.
Can TMJ cause throbbing tooth pain?
Quite simply, yes, TMJ disorders can cause tooth pain. When you’re suffering from a TMD , your joint or the muscles attached to it could be damaged or functioning improperly. When this happens, it can cause your muscles to tighten up, which in turn can result in headaches.
What can mimic a toothache?
Jaw joints.
Because of their proximity to the teeth, the pain from the joints can radiate into the dental area and mimic a toothache.
When should I be concerned about jaw pain?
If you have severe, worsening, or persistent jaw pain, you should consult with your doctor or dentist as soon as you can. Pain in the face or jaw that worsens when the person uses their jaw (pain could range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation).
Can tension in jaw cause tooth pain?
If your jaw is tense, it can put excessive pressure on one or more teeth. Your teeth might seem hard, but they are actually kind of flexible. So when you put pressure down on them, they can squish slightly. This compresses the living nerve inside the tooth, which causes pain.
How do you tell if it’s a toothache or TMJ?
Some pain radiates upward, which may cause pain in the head, ear, eyes, etc. However, when the pain radiates downward, it can cause pain near your teeth. Pain from TMJ can be dull, sharp, searing, sporadic, constant, etc.
Can a tooth infection feel like TMJ?
If you have a tooth abscess near the TMJ, it may radiate and feel like TMJ pain. On the other hand, the abscess may put pressure on the TMJ, causing it to slightly misalign.
Can toothache be nothing?
If It Isn’t Tooth Pain, Then What Is It? It is possible for you to feel pain in your teeth although no issue exists in that location. If your dentist checks out your oral health and doesn’t find anything, there could be a variety of possibilities to the true source of pain. This type of pain is known as referred pain.
Why do I have a toothache where I have no tooth?
Whether it’s a root canal, extraction, or filling, phantom tooth pain is the result of a damaged or dysfunctioning nerve that sends signs to the brain saying that there is pain in a tooth that may no longer be there.
Why does my tooth hurt but there is no cavity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This type of toothache occurs even when there’s no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there’s a wearing away of enamel or gum recession.
Should I see a doctor or dentist for jaw pain?
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, you should see a dentist. Dentists don’t just treat your teeth—they’re specialists who are trained in the anatomy of the jaw and diagnosing dysfunction in the bite.
What helps jaw and tooth pain?
Jaw pain relief
- Apply moist heat or ice packs: Place ice in a plastic bag, wrap it in a thin cloth, and apply it to your face for 10 minutes. …
- Keep reading: How to make a cold compress »
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help to reduce discomfort.
Why is my jaw aching so much?
Dental problem- Jaw pain can spring from things like a (1) cavity, (2) cracked tooth, (3) infection, and (4) gum disease. Don’t neglect to make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect that a dental problem is at the root of your aching jaw. Stress- Are you stressed with work and daily life?
What does a jaw infection feel like?
Symptoms of a jaw bone infection or dental abscess include: Pain in the mouth or jaw. Redness or swelling. Drainage of pus from the area.
How long does stress jaw pain last?
Whether TMJ disorder is actively being managed by a doctor can also influence how long a flare-up lasts. Most flare-ups last anywhere from two days to a few weeks. Symptoms of a TMJ flare-up can include one or more of the following: Pain in and around the jaw joint – constant or intermittent.
Can needing a root canal cause jaw pain?
Since root canal treatment requires you to hold your mouth open for a long period of time during the procedure, you may experience some discomfort in your jaw. This pain could radiate to your ear, particularly if an upper molar was treated for an infection.