Jaw pain can range in severity from mildly annoying to utterly agonizing, and it is often caused by untreated oral health issues. Thankfully, your dentist is trained and equipped to provide emergency treatments and restorative procedures that can restore comfort to your mouth and allow it to function well. Here’s a quick look at why your jaw may only hurt on one side and how your oral health professional can help.
Dental Infections
The mouth is home to multitudes of oral bacteria, and some of them will cause painful infections if they are allowed to multiply and gain access to vulnerable tissues. Dental infections typically begin as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, or cavities, which are corroded sections of infected dental enamel. If these issues go unresolved for too long, they will lead to severe damage such as gum recession, jawbone erosion, tooth loss, and infection of the pulp tissue. Your emergency dentist will be able to resolve these issues with restorative treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, root canals, or periodontal therapy.
Oral Injuries
Many people, especially athletes who do not wear appropriate sportsguards, develop painful cracks, chips, or fractures in their teeth due to falls or blows to the face. Dental damage such as this that occurs on one side of the face can make simple activities like chewing incredibly painful on that side. Thankfully, your emergency dentist can repair dental damage with treatments like crowns, veneers, and fillings.
Something Stuck Between Your Teeth
In many cases, nagging dental pain can be caused by a bit of food debris stuck between the teeth. If this happens to you, start by thorough brushing, flossing, and rinsing to dislodge the object. If this does not work, do not attempt to remove it using a sharp tool like a toothpick or needle. Instead, contact your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment so they can remove it safely and gently.
Having jaw pain on one side of your mouth can make life significantly less enjoyable. Seeking emergency dental care can be an excellent way to keep your grin comfortable and healthy.
About the Author
Dr William Negreiros completed a two-year fellowship in implant dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and graduated cum laude from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. His office in Lexington offers prosthodontics, lip and tongue-tie services, and general, cosmetic, and emergency dental treatments. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, dial the office at (781) 861-7645. If you have any questions, contact the staff online.
