There are some causes of tooth and jaw pain that may require the assistance of both a dentist and a physician to make a correct diagnosis. With the jaw and teeth being so closely related, it can be difficult to determine the specific location of pain. In many cases, a dental examination and X-ray will find the cause of the problem.
Causes
There are several different types of pain association with the jaw and teeth. The pain can be sharp, dull or severe depending on the cause. Sharp pain typically involves tooth decay or a cracked filling. If the pain is severe with pressure, an infection is often present in the tooth or bone tissue, according to Soft Dental. A Tempero Mandibular Dysfunction, also called TMD or TMJ, causes pain in the jaw muscle. This pain is often accompanied by a clicking sound when the mouth is opened.
Pain around the teeth and jaws can also be a symptom of a sinus or ear infection, or it can signify a more serious problem such as an impending heart attack, according to Joseph S. Dovgan, D.D.S.
Treatment
The treatment will depend on the cause. If pain is caused by tooth decay, a dentist will repair the areas where cavities are present with a filling. If a pre-existing filling is cracked, the dentist will repair the filling. Antibiotics are prescribed for an infected tooth or jawbone. Pain caused by TMD can be relieved by applying a hot towel over both sides of the jaw and massaging gently, according to Atlanta Dental Group PC. If a sinus or ear infection is bacterial, an antibiotic will be given, but if it's viral, the infection will run its course. The pain for oral problems of your teeth or jaw can be relieved with over-the-counter ibuprofen.
Heart Attack Procedure
Seek immediate medical attention by dialing 911 if your jaw pain and toothache are accompanied by pain in the center of your chest, upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath and a sense of doom, according to MayoClinic.com. The earlier a heart attack is identified and treatment is begun, the better your chances of survival since a delay could cause further damage to the heart.
Prevention
The best way to prevent tooth and jaw pain is to practice healthy oral hygiene. Floss and brush your teeth a minimum of twice per day. Avoid biting down on hard candy, which can break your tooth or a pre-existing filling. Always wear a mouth guard which can prevent injury to your teeth and jawbone, which reduces your risk of TMD. To prevent a heart attack and other health problems, eat a nutritious balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and some low-fat dairy. Limit the amount of fatty, fried and salty food that you consume.
Considerations
TMD is often confused with migraines if diagnosed by a physician since the pain is in relation with the temporalis muscle, according to Atlanta Dental Group PC. If you're being treated for migraines, but the treatment is ineffective, contact your dentist. A dentist can make a dental appliance that reduces your need to use jaw muscles. If you have tooth or jaw pain that is severe enough to keep you awake at night, see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid making the situation worse.
