When you wake up in the morning you should feel relaxed and refreshed, not tense or sore. Which is why if you awaken to unexplained jaw pain, it can be very confusing. But this sounds familiar, don’t despair. Here are a few common reasons you may be experiencing jaw stiffness or discomfort when you get up.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching can occur even if you don’t realize you’re doing it. It can even happen in your sleep. If you’re waking up to jaw pain and aren’t sure why, it could be bruxism. Other times you may experience this is during periods of high stress, and if you catch yourself doing it during the day, chances are it could be happening at night, too.
Tooth Decay or Cavities
Cavities or tooth decay are another reason for unexplained jaw pain. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or are experiencing other symptoms like discomfort or sensitivity when you chew, schedule an appointment for an exam as soon as possible.
Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure can bother your teeth because your sinuses are close to the roots of your upper teeth and jawbone. When your sinuses fill with fluid, this can cause painful inflammation that makes you feel like you have a toothache. Try taking an OTC allergy medication or decongestant and see if that helps. If not, speak to your dentist about other potential causes.
Wisdom Teeth
If you are noticing an increase in jaw pain, gum soreness, or a lump in the very back of your arches, it could be your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically come in during your late teens and early twenties, however it is possible they could arrive later or become a problem later than expected.
TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint of the jaw is where your jawbone connects to your skull. Sometimes, the lower jaw can become misaligned, causing stiffness and pain. If you notice this, a popping or clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth, frequent headaches, neck, shoulder or back aches, or a ringing in the ears (tinnitus), speak to your doctor about TMJ dysfunction.
About Dr. Chenet
Dr. Cedric Chenet wants to help his patients live comfortably, free from the pain of conditions like temporomandibular joint dysfunction that could be causing a variety of unexplained symptoms. If you are waking up with jaw pain that doesn’t make sense, you could be suffering from a TMJ disorder.
To schedule an appointment to evaluate your jaw pain, visit our website or call us at 321-253-3136 today.