Pain Or Difficulty When Chewing
Difficulty or pain when chewing can be linked to various causes. Struggling to chew normally can often ben traces to changes in the muscle, tissue or bone structures of the jaw or face. Regardless of if the source of this change is behavioral or medical, other accompanying symptoms can help determine the cause of this problem. And regardless of the cause, any changes or developing issues with swallowing and/or chewing require immediate medical attention and care.
Pain When Chewing: Possible Causes
There are various possible causes for pain with chewing:
- Trauma to bones of the jaw and/or face
- Osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis
- Tooth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Temporomandibular joint issues (also known as TMD or TMJ)
- Dry mouth
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Decay
- Infections of the mouth
- Oral Cancer
- Hidden damage in teeth and/or gums
Identifying the Problem with Related Symptoms
Your dentist and/or doctor can help determine the cause of any chewing issues or difficulties with an examination and by discussing any other symptoms that may have developed. An unpleasant or strange taste in the mouth often indicates dental conditions that are developing. Tenderness in the jaw and/or face, headaches, and earaches are all conditions that can be released to teeth grinding (also known as bruxism); and also with TMD disorders. Unexpected or rapid weight loss can occur for many serious reason, but can be the result of the poor nutrition that can be a result of difficulty with chewing. Trouble with swallowing can also occur in more extreme cases of chewing difficulty. All of these symptoms are helpful in diagnosis of underlying causes of chewing difficulties.
Taking Care Of Pain With Chewing
Immediate medical attention is strongly advised if you experience any pain or difficulty when you are chewing, and especially if there is any difficulty with swallowing. There are of course many less serious possible causes for issues with chewing and swallowing but since there are very serious - sometimes even life-threatening underlying issues related to these kinds of difficulties with chewing and/or swallowing it is essential to have a professions medical evaluation if you develop any issues with chewing and/or swallowing. It is possible that your doctor will evaluate for any possible neuromuscular disorders and/or look for any issues with the gastrointestinal system. To help determine the underlying source, or cause of the problem, doctors often use X-rays that use radioactive dyes. And in a dental exam the mouth and teeth will be evaluated for latent damage and infection. Depending on the source of the issue, a doctor and/or dentist may give you a referral to a speech and/or occupational therapist as an aspect of appropriate treatment. It is essential that nutritional balance be a focus if you are experiencing any chewing difficulties. Supplementing the diet with protein shakes is not uncommon, and medication is often prescribed. Contact your dentist or any trusted medical health care professional as soon as possible for any issues with chewing or swallowing to get appropriate diagnosis.