By drscotto@drscotto.com
March 26, 2014
Category: General Dentistry
Tags: Untagged

Schenectady mouth painWhen you’re in pain, you’re not yourself. And the longer that discomfort lasts, the more serious the effect it has on your life. Don’t ignore oral pain that could be a sign of a larger problem. No matter your aches, there’s a treatment that will soothe them. Dr. Robert Scotto will diagnose the problem and get you back on your feet.

Common Causes of Oral Pain

Many patients experiencing some kind of oral discomfort decide to wait it out. They believe that the problem can’t be anything too serious, and plan on seeing whether it subsides. It’s true that not every twinge mandates a call to the dentist, but some pains are signifiers of significant dental problems. The intensity and location of your pain can point to the culprit.

A few of the most common causes of mouth pain include:

  • Cavities – Also known as dental caries, cavities form when acids eat through enamel and cause tooth decay. Cavities destroy the hard tissues that make up the tooth. If treated in their early stages, cavities can be no big deal. But if they’re allowed to progress, the entire tooth may become infected. Treating an infected tooth involves root canal or even extraction. Pay attention to your teeth: if one is in pain, if you notice a new dark spot, or if you notice sudden bad breath, a cavity may be forming.
  • Gingivitis/periodontal disease – Plaque buildup causes more than just cavities. Your gums also suffer the consequences of increased oral bacteria. Once your gums become inflamed, they’re susceptible to infection. Pockets of bacteria may form between your teeth and gums, jeopardizing tooth stability and gum health. If your gums are tender, swollen, red or purple, or bleeding, give us a call so that we can get the inflammation under control.
  • TMJ disorder – Your temporomandibular joint is located on either side of your jaw. It connects the lower and upper jaws, and allows for the full range of jaw motion that you enjoy. Unfortunately, the TMJ doesn’t always work harmoniously. A damaged or aggravated TMJ may give rise to a TMJ disorder. Disorders cause stiffness, pain, and fatigue at the jaw joint.
  • Bruxism – Teeth grinding is an incredibly common problem, and one that many patients don’t actually recognize. Because most clenching and grinding take place at night, patients don’t realize what their jaws are up to. Chronic grinding will wear down your enamel and can cause problems with your jaw joint. Grinding-related pain is most often felt in the morning, in the jaw and across your teeth.
  • Aphthous ulcers – This term sounds alarming, but it’s actually the least damaging of this group – aphthous ulcers are canker sores. While canker sores cause discomfort, they rarely lead to larger problems. Use over-the-counter canker sore relief products to soothe the area.

Schenectady Treatment for Jaw Pain and Mouth PainSchenectady mouth pain treatment

The problems we’ve detailed above can be resolved with a visit to Dr. Scotto. One that bears special mention is TMJ disorder. Pain stemming from jaw disorders can be debilitating. Our office provides a variety of solutions for those experiencing TMJ-related discomfort. For some patients, wearing TMJ splints will help stabilize and realign their lower jaws. These mouth guards are worn at night, and they ensure that the jaws remain in a healthy relationship with one another. TMJ splints also allow the jaw joints to rest and heal. Night guards are equally helpful for patients struggling with bruxism.

If a TMJ splint isn’t adequate for your clenching, Botox therapeutic will persuade jaw muscles to relax. A precise injection at the jaw joint will help prevent forceful muscle contractions without robbing patients of their jaw function. Give us a call if you suspect that Botox could be helpful, or if you’re interested in learning more about Botox therapeutic. And, as always, get in touch if you have any questions about your oral pain or your dental health.

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Robert M. Scotto, D.D.S.
615 Union St.
Schenectady, NY 12305
518-374-9770

  

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