A toothache can really throw off your day and make it hard to sleep well. The sharp pain can make it tough to concentrate, eat, or even enjoy time out with friends. While not all dental issues cause facial pain, it’s important to know what’s causing any discomfort and get help quickly. Read on to learn about the reasons for facial pain and how an emergency dentist can help ease your pain.
9 Potential Causes of Facial Pain
Facial pain can vary in location, intensity, and how long it lasts, and it can come from a variety of causes. While some facial pain might go away on its own, others may continue and require medical attention. The potential sources of facial pain are diverse and can include:
- Dry Sockets: These complications can occur following a tooth extraction when a dislodged blood clot exposes the underlying bone and nerves to food, air, and fluids.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like sinusitis, cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can all lead to facial pain.
- Headaches: Migraines and other headaches can be caused by factors like stress and lack of sleep.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD): TMD impacts the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement, leading to discomfort in the face, jaw, and neck.
- Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): This condition is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining, often leading to facial pain.
- Nerve Damage: Injuries or nerve damage can interfere with normal nervous system function, possibly causing facial pain.
- Traumatic Facial Injury: Any physical injury or trauma to the face can cause facial pain and discomfort.
- Oral Health Problems: Examples include mouth infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Bruxism: This condition involves grinding teeth and clenching the jaw, which can lead to facial discomfort.
How Your Dentist Can Help
If you have facial pain, it’s important to see your dentist. They can identify the cause and suggest treatments or adjustments to help ease your discomfort. For more serious issues like dental abscesses or advanced gum disease, treatments like periodontal therapy or root canals might be needed.
If you have damaged teeth, you might need crowns or fillings along with other treatments. For conditions like TMD or teeth grinding, using a dental mouthguard can help protect your teeth and reduce pain.
4 Home Remedies for Facial Pain
The effectiveness of home remedies for mild facial pain can vary depending on the cause. While waiting to see your emergency dentist, you can try these self-care treatments:
- A cold compress – Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 10-20 minutes several times a day.
- Take OTC medication – Take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve discomfort.
- Keep your head elevated – Elevate your head to help drain mucus and fluids, which can ease discomfort from sinusitis.
- Gargle with salt water – Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle several times a day to reduce dental inflammation and discomfort.
About the Practice
Grateful Dentists in Billerica, which is led by Dr. Adam Danzig, Dr. Rachel Snook, and Dr. Kristen O’Brien-Skinner, is made up of a dedicated team of skilled dental professionals. They provide a wide range of services to their patients, including emergency dental care, to help those who encounter unexpected dental problems. If you are ready to schedule an appointment or learn more about their emergency services, you can contact Grateful Dentists at (978) 667-2741 or visit their website.