Jaw pain can be miserable. It makes simple tasks such as eating, talking, and even resting challenging. At the Placerville Dental Group, we understand how frustrating and stressful that kind of pain feels. Our team cares deeply about helping patients understand the cause of their pain and how to treat it.
Why Your Jaw Hurts
Jaw pain comes from many different things. Sometimes it’s as simple as grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw when stressed. Other times, it traces back to a tooth infection, sinus pressure, or even arthritis in the jaw joint. Injuries or an uneven bite may also play a part.
What to Do About Jaw Pain
If your jaw starts to ache, you definitely need to see a dentist, but a few small steps can make things a little easier until your appointment at the Placerville Dental Group:
- Use a warm or cold compress on the side of your face for 10-15 minutes. (Cold reduces swelling, while warmth relaxes tight muscles.)
- Eat only soft foods like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes.
- Keep the jaw in a relaxed and neutral position to ease tension.
- Stay hydrated and limit caffeine, which tends to tighten muscles.
- Use over-the-counter pain-killers as directed.
These steps help cope with the jaw pain for a short while, but lasting relief comes only after your dentist finds out the cause of your pain and then treats it properly.
Recognize Urgent Jaw Pain
While not all jaw pain is considered an emergency, some symptoms require immediate attention! Seek urgent care from the Placerville Dental Group if you notice:
- Sudden, severe, or throbbing pain that doesn’t ease up
- Swelling in your face or jaw
- Trouble opening or closing your mouth
- Pain paired with fever, dizziness, or ear pressure
- Clicking or locking in the joint
These symptoms could point to an infection, an injury, or a dislocated joint. Ignoring these symptoms often leads to more serious problems, such as damage from abscesses, joint decay, or blood poisoning. Getting professional care right away protects your oral health and helps you recover faster when you have jaw pain!
A Dental Team That Cares
At the Placerville Dental Group, we treat jaw pain and all dental emergencies with care and urgency. After determining the cause of your pain, we explain your treatment options clearly and focus on getting you comfortable again as soon as possible. Whether the issue comes from teeth, muscles, or the joint itself, we have the tools and experience to help. If you’re dealing with jaw pain — or any dental concern that just doesn’t feel right — contact the Placerville Dental Group today. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions, ease your worries, and get you smiling again.
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