The fact that you are reading this article shows that you are probably experiencing some pretty bad jaw pain. Maybe you have a sharp shooting pain that you don’t understand, or perhaps an ever-present dull aching in your jaw.
You surely have heard some horror stories about such pain. Many times jaw pain is not that serious, however, it is a pain that should never be ignored! This brief article was written in order to help you to understand your symptoms.
Jaw Pain And Heart Attacks
When experiencing jaw pain it is important that a qualified dentist examine and identify the actual cause of the pain. The following information is not intended to replace such diagnostics, however, it will help you understand how to differentiate between a dental emergency and a cardiovascular one.
Cardiovascular jaw pain results from agitation of the nerves related to the heart, this sends pain signals to several specific locations. The shoulder and arms are the more known locations, however, the jaw is also a common receptor. The following information will help you to understand whether you are feeling this type of pain or suffering form a toothache, TJM, or maybe a sinus infection.
If the pain results from movement to your jaw then it is probably tooth related. If this is the case and it seems to result from a single tooth, it’s probably a cavity, abscess, or a gum irritation. It is not likely to be a sign of a heart problem, however, you should get it checked immediately by a dentist to discover the cause.
If your jaw pain is felt in the morning then there is more of a chance that it is the result of heart problems. This is because your blood thickens overnight and does not circulate as well. When you start moving around your blood pressure rises which can at times result in jaw pain.
You should be even more concerned if the pain occurs when doing physical activities. It is a high warning sign when such pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
Other Common Causes Of Jaw Pain
Other common causes of jaw pain are gum infections, such as gingivitis. If you are suffering from a gum infection you will notice red and swollen gums. You should see a dentist immediately to minimize damages.
If you feel pain at the top angle of your jaw, along with a popping sensation when opening and closing it, then you probably have TJM (temporomandibular joint). If this is the case you should see a dentist for assistance.
We hope this article has been helpful in understanding the pain that you are feeling. If you have questions or are in need of a trustworthy Baltimore dentist don’t hesitate to contact us.