There are a number of possible causes of an aching jaw. Until the problem causing the pain is corrected, jaw ache can make it difficult to chew or drink. Severe jaw pain can even cause headaches and digestive problems.

Is an aching jaw serious?

Not all jaw ache is a symptom of a serious condition. It can be caused by innocuous activities like excessive gum chewing or jaw clenching resulting from stress. This results in simple exhaustion of the jaw muscles and are easily correctable without a visit to a health care professional.

Sometimes the source of jaw ache is not always so easy to pin down. It can be neurological, muscular, or pathological (caused by an infection). A visit to the dentist can determine if achy jaws are caused by a breakdown in oral health. Then it can usually be treated by a dentist or an oral surgeon.

What’s causing the ache?

The most common cause of dental-related jaw pain is the existence of cavities, which can be corrected with a simple filling or a root canal therapy.

A tooth abscess is another cause of jaw pain.Your dentist will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection.  A root canal treatment or antibiotics may be required, but in some cases the tooth may need to be removed. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.

Gum disease can also be the cause of an aching jaw.

Teeth grinding causes jaw pain and you may not even be aware you are doing it in your sleep. Your dentist can mould a dental guard so teeth aren’t worn by constant grinding and recommend stress release techniques so you don’t experience jaw pain from tension.

Misalignment of teeth due to over and under-bites or missing teeth can also cause pain. This can be corrected by orthodontia (like braces), dental appliances, or dental implants.

The eruption of wisdom teeth is a very common cause of jaw ache and something nearly everyone suffers at one time or another. Wisdom teeth can impact, creating pain in the jaw bone. Your dentist or oral surgeon can remedy this all-too-common problem by removing your wisdom teeth.

When it’s not your teeth

Some causes of jaw ache aren’t dental-related even though the pain is experienced in the jaw area. Like pain from earaches or sinus infections. Once your oral health professional has ruled out dental-related causes for pain they may suggest you see your general medical practitioner for assessment and further treatment.