Dealing with any level of physical discomfort is never fun but even more so if it is occurring throughout your face! Facial pain can not only keep you from everyday functions like eating and speaking, but it could also be a sign of an oral health issue that needs attention right away. If you have pain in or around your mouth, cheeks, or forehead, you may want to visit your emergency dentist to get to the root of the issue. Here are three common oral health issues related to facial pain.

#1. TOOTH INFECTION

The inside of your tooth is composed of soft tissues called the pulp. When it becomes infected, you have what is known as a dental abscess. Unfortunately, if you have an untreated cavity, gum disease, or injury, your pearly white is susceptible to even more damage. These issues can lead to bacteria traveling into your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, causing facial pain in the cheeks.

These are the signs of an abscessed tooth:

• Tooth or gum sensitivity
• Swollen, inflamed, or red gums
• Throbbing, persistent, or chewing pain
• Fatigue and/or fever
• A bitter taste in the mouth

#2. DRY SOCKET

Have you recently had a tooth removed? If you’re experiencing pain in the area of the missing tooth, it could be due to a condition called dry socket. When the blood clot isn’t properly formed around the surgical site, it leaves the nerves and bone tissue of your mouth exposed. A dry socket needs to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible to ensure the extraction site heals properly. Not only will this help you manage your facial discomfort, but it will also promote healthy bone growth in the area.

The most common indications of a dry socket are persistent discomfort from the extraction area, a foul taste in the mouth, bad breath, and the visible loss of the blood clot.

#3. TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, allowing movement of your jaw to speak and chew your food. An oral health condition that hinders this joint from fully functioning is generally referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

The symptoms of this issue include:

• Discomfort or pain around your jaw when talking or eating
• Clicking sounds whenever you open or close your jaw
• A misaligned bite
• Limited jaw mobility
• Swelling or inflammation in the jaw
• Fatigue

If you are experiencing facial pain, it may be time to visit your emergency dentist so they can help treat the underlying issue. You will not only be able to return to a happier smile as soon as possible but keep your oral health in top condition!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Alexander Wenner and his team at Genuine Smiles of Trophy Club are eager to help you with any oral health issue. He graduated from Meharry School of Dentistry and attended a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York where he focused on emergency dental procedures. With a 5-star rating on Google, he uses customized care and advanced dental technology to get your smile and oral health back in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (817) 904-4875.