Jaw Pain

You may only realize the significance of something when it goes awry. This situation is a common reality for patients with symptoms of jaw pain or sensitivity.

Bahr Dental provides relief for these conditions with the help of personalized bite guards and therapeutic methods to ease the pain at its source. If you are currently struggling with jaw pain symptoms, give our office a call to schedule a visit today!

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woman with jaw pain

What Causes Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain that lasts more than a day is typically due to one or more of these three conditions, all of which can be treated by one of our dentists:

  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) | TMD occurs when the joint connecting your cheeks to your jaw (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) becomes inflamed due to strain and overuse.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) | Stress-related habits such as teeth grinding can add unnecessary tension to your jaw and make it less resilient to tough foods.
  • Dental Infections and Decay | We will first scan your jaw to see if any signs of dental infection or plaque could have sparked the incessant jaw pain.

Bahr Dental’s Effective Solutions for Jaw Pain

If you have recurring jaw pain that doesn’t seem to improve after oral treatment, you may find that these two methods address your needs. We will analyze your health history during your first appointment to determine the cause of your jaw pain and then address it from there.

If you have any questions about either of the procedures, give our office a call today.

Bite and Mouth Guards

Bite, night, and mouth guards are common and effective solutions that can help you address jaw pain. The guards are custom-made to help you avoid teeth clenching and unnecessary strain on your teeth while you sleep, participate in sports, or recover from a sudden injury.

Medicinal Solutions For Jaw Pain

One solution we offer at our Davis County dentistry is jaw therapy through anti-inflammatory medicines and muscle relaxants. These short-term solutions provide instant pain relief and often give our dentists time to properly troubleshoot and address the cause of your jaw pain.

Benefits of Treating Jaw Pain

Ignoring jaw pain can allow minor discomfort to turn into chronic tension or joint damage over time. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve both oral function and daily quality of life.

  • Reduced Pain and Tension | Treating jaw pain helps relieve ongoing soreness, stiffness, and pressure in the jaw muscles and joints. Many patients notice fewer headaches and less facial discomfort once the underlying cause is addressed.
  • Improved Jaw Function | Jaw pain can limit how widely or comfortably you open your mouth. Treatment supports smoother jaw movement, making it easier to chew, speak, and yawn without discomfort.
  • Protection Against Tooth Damage | Jaw pain is often associated with clenching or grinding, which can wear down enamel, fracture teeth, or damage restorations. Managing jaw tension helps protect your teeth from long-term harm.
  • Better Sleep Quality | When jaw pain is linked to nighttime clenching or airway concerns, treatment may also lead to more restful sleep and fewer morning symptoms like headaches or jaw stiffness. 
  • Improved Overall Well-Being | Reducing jaw pain can ease tension throughout the neck, shoulders, and face, helping patients feel more relaxed and comfortable day to day.

Jaw pain doesn’t have to control your daily comfort or disrupt your sleep. With a thorough evaluation and personalized care, lasting relief is possible. Call Bahr Dental in Bountiful, UT, today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable, balanced smile.

Relieving Short-Term Jaw Pain

You may find that biting too hard or awkwardly may cause slight jaw pain. These more minor cases can still be pretty unsettling, but the symptoms tend to leave after a week.

As you are troubleshooting the extent of your jaw pain, here are a few tricks that might help:

Stretching Your Jaw

Gentle jaw stretching and controlled breathing exercises can help relieve muscle tightness and reduce tension along the jawline. Slowly opening and closing your mouth within a comfortable range encourages muscle relaxation and improved mobility. Deep breathing while stretching helps calm the nervous system, which may further reduce clenching and strain.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage mild to moderate jaw discomfort and inflammation when used as directed. These medications can be especially helpful during flare-ups or after periods of increased jaw use, such as extended speaking or chewing.

Use An Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack to the outside of the jaw can help reduce inflammation and numb soreness. Use cold therapy for short intervals, typically 10–15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Always place a cloth between the ice pack and skin to prevent irritation.

Hear From Our Patients

Many patients come to us feeling frustrated after living with jaw pain longer than they should have. Others are surprised to learn that their headaches or facial soreness are connected to jaw tension. Our patients often express relief, reassurance, and appreciation for finally understanding the cause of their discomfort.

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How to Avoid Jaw Pain

While not all jaw pain can be prevented, healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk and help manage symptoms.

Helpful ways to protect your jaw include

  • Being mindful of clenching during stressful moments
  • Avoiding chewing gum or hard foods excessively
  • Practicing gentle jaw stretches and relaxation techniques
  • Maintain good posture, especially at your desk or phone
  • Addressing sleep issues or nighttime grinding early
  • Scheduling routine dental visits to monitor bite and jaw health

Managing stress and being aware of jaw tension throughout the day can go a long way toward keeping discomfort under control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be confusing, especially when symptoms come and go or appear unrelated to dental health. Understanding what’s happening can help you feel more confident about seeking care. Below are answers to common questions patients ask when dealing with jaw discomfort.

How do I know if I have TMD?

Common signs include jaw clicking or popping, facial soreness, headaches, ear pain, or difficulty opening your mouth fully. A dental evaluation can help determine whether TMD is present.

Is jaw pain serious?

Jaw pain isn’t always serious, but ongoing discomfort should not be ignored. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen or lead to additional dental problems.

How is jaw pain treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include oral appliances, bite adjustments, stress management strategies, or lifestyle changes. Your dentist will recommend a personalized approach.

Can jaw pain go away on its own?

Mild cases may improve temporarily, but recurring or persistent jaw pain often requires professional evaluation to prevent long-term issues.

Handle Jaw Pain With Bahr Dental

Bahr Dental is highly experienced in helping patients diagnose and treat jaw pain. With the help of medicines and mouth guards, you may find that your symptoms tend to diminish almost immediately! Call our office today to get started on a jaw therapy treatment. 

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