One of the best ways to get a dental emergency dealt with as quickly as possible is to be a knowledgeable patient. Your dentist goes by what they see, but when it comes to what you’re actually feeling, they’re reliant on you to explain what’s going on.
If you’re experiencing facial pain, it may be helpful to know what the likely culprits could be so that your dentist can provide you relief. If you’re interested, here’s a guide to some of the most common causes of facial pain, and how you can tell them apart.
Sinus Infection
Your sinuses are located all across your face, including just above the upper jaw. When they get infected, usually due to a virus, you could experience pulsing pain around the nose, mouth, and extending outward toward the ears.
The sinus’ proximity to the jaw means an infection may actually feel like a toothache. The difference is that a sinus infection will involve a lot of mucus. You might also feel pressure in your ears, which is uncharacteristic of other kinds of facial pain.
Dental Abscess
If you’ve had a toothache that’s only gotten worse, it may be the result of an infection that has created a dental abscess. These are painful pus-filled lumps that are located along the gums. They should be accompanied by consistent, throbbing pain and sensitivity in the gums. You may also experience the tell-tale signs of oral infection, including a foul taste in the mouth, bad breath, and swelling.
TMJ Disorder
Your TMJ, or Temporomandibular joints, connect your jaw to the rest of your face. These joints are relatively small, meaning that trauma or grinding teeth can cause them to come out of alignment.
This results in what’s known as a TMJ Disorder, which can make your jaw hurt when you open or close your mouth. The TMJ are located incredibly close to the inner ear, so this can also be accompanied by a variety of strange symptoms, like nausea and vertigo.
You’ll need a professional’s help to determine exactly what issue you’re dealing with, but hopefully this guide is helpful in communicating with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nicholas Slezak is a dentist who feels privileged to be able to do what he loves and help his patients stay in perfect oral health. He has an attention to detail and enjoys working with his hands, which makes dentistry the perfect career for him. Dr. Slezak received his doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and completed a General Practice Residency at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus.
If you have any questions about facial pain, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (440) 285-8211.