A healthy smile contributes to a happy life! When you are able to eat and speak with ease, as well as flash beautiful teeth when you grin, it makes your days much easier and more enjoyable. However, when something goes wrong with your oral health, it can make it hard to deal with everyday functions and responsibilities. This is especially true if your dental emergency is causing pain throughout your face. Here are three common reasons an oral health issue may be causing facial pain.
#1. Tooth Infection
When an infection of the soft tissues of occurs in the inner tooth (pulp), it’s likely an infection (or dental abscess) is present. When you have an untreated cavity, gum disease, or injury, your teeth are more vulnerable to further damage. These oral health issues can lead to bacteria entering into your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, causing facial pain in the cheeks.
The following are indications of an abscessed tooth:
- Tooth or gum sensitivity
- Throbbing, persistent, or chewing pain
- Swollen, inflamed, or red gums
- Fatigue and/or fever
- A bitter taste in the mouth
#2. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull, allowing full movement to speak and chew. The oral health condition that prevents this joint from fully functioning is generally referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
The symptoms of TMD include:
- Clicking sounds whenever you open or close your jaw
- Discomfort or pain around your jaw when talking or eating
- A misaligned bite
- Limited jaw mobility
- Swelling or inflammation in the jaw
- Fatigue
#3. Dry Socket
Did you recently have a tooth extracted? If you’re experiencing pain in the area of the tooth that was removed, it could be due to a condition called dry socket. When the blood clot isn’t properly formed around the surgical site, the nerves and bone tissue of your mouth are fully exposed. A dry socket needs to be treated by your dentist right away so the extraction site heals properly. In addition to helping healthy bone growth in the area, a healed dry socket will immediately relieve your facial discomfort!
The most common signs of a dry socket are:
- Consistent pain in the extraction area
- A foul taste in the mouth
- Bad or unpleasant breath
- The visible loss of the blood clot
You don’t have to live with facial pain from an oral health issue. By being aware of the causes of your discomfort and seeking help from your dentist, you can return to a comfortable and happy smile once again!
About the Practice
Dental Group of Jefferson is eager to help you keep your smile whole and healthy through the expertise of their two dentists. With a focus on providing attentive, high-quality dentistry, they provide a comprehensive range of dental services, including emergency care. With the use of individualized plans and advanced dental technology, they can successfully treat the underlying reason for your oral discomfort. To schedule a same-day appointment, contact them through their website or call (440) 576-7040.