La
Plata
A toothache can throw off your entire day and even keep you up at night. The severe pain can make it difficult to concentrate, enjoy meals, or spend time with friends. Although not every dental issue leads to facial pain, it’s important to identify the source of any discomfort and seek help right away. Continue reading to learn about the causes of facial pain and how an emergency dentist can offer relief.
9 Potential Causes of Facial Pain
Facial pain can vary in location, intensity, and duration, arising from a range of causes. While some instances may subside on their own, others can persist and require professional care. Potential causes of facial pain include:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD): TMD impacts the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement, leading to discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck.
- Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): This condition causes inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining, leading to facial pain.
- Nerve Damage: Injuries or nerve damage can interfere with the nervous system, resulting in facial pain.
- Dry Sockets: These problems can occur after a tooth is removed if a blood clot is dislodged, leaving the bone and nerves exposed to food, air, and fluids.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Sinusitis, cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, and TMD can all cause facial pain.
- Bruxism: This condition is marked by the clenching of the jaw and the grinding teeth. This can lead to facial discomfort.
- Headaches: Migraines and other types of headaches can contribute to stress as well as sleep deprivation.
- Traumatic Facial Injury: Suffering an injury or facial trauma can lead to pain and discomfort in the face.
- Oral Health Problems: Examples of oral health issues include tooth decay, mouth infections, and gum disease.
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 to ease your discomfort. For serious issues like dental abscesses or advanced gum disease, you may need periodontal therapy or a root canal.
Damaged teeth might require crowns or fillings. For conditions like TMD or teeth grinding, 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 depends on the cause. While you wait to see your emergency dentist, you can try these self-care treatments:
- Gargle with salt water – Mix salt with warm water and rinse your mouth several times daily to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- A cold compress – Place a cloth-wrapped ice pack on the impacted area for between 10 and 20 minutes a few times each day.
- Take OTC medication – Use over-the-counter pain medication to help ease pai or discomfort.
- Keep your head elevated – Keeping your head elevated can help clear mucus and fluids, which can ease discomfort caused by sinusitis.
About the Practice
La Plata Dental is dedicated to addressing oral health issues while also educating patients on effective prevention methods for the future. They provide a range of services designed to enhance your smile, including emergency dental care for those unexpected dental problems. If you are ready to book an appointment with the team at La Plata Dental or you want more information about their emergency dental services, you can visit their website or call their office at (240) 349-2439.