Can a Cavity Cause Jaw Pain | CanPharm

When you think of a cavity, you probably imagine a small hole in a tooth that causes some sensitivity and discomfort. But can something that seems so minor lead to pain that radiates to different parts of your face? This leads many to wonder, can a cavity cause jaw pain? The short answer is yes, but understanding the link between the two can help you catch dental problems before they worsen.

Cavities, or dental caries, develop when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acid that wears away tooth enamel. If left untreated, this decay can progress deeper into the tooth, reaching the sensitive inner pulp where nerves and blood vessels live. Once a cavity gets to this point, it can trigger toothaches that feel more intense and that pain doesn’t always stay in the tooth itself.

How Cavities Lead to Jaw Pain

Pain from a deep cavity can radiate beyond the affected tooth, especially if the tooth’s nerve becomes inflamed or infected. This inflammation can travel along the nerve pathways into the jaw, making it feel like the entire side of your face is sore. In some cases, it may even mimic the feeling of a jaw injury or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem.

The lower jaw (mandible) and upper jaw (maxilla) are filled with nerve endings connected to your teeth. So, when a tooth becomes severely decayed or infected, it can easily send referred pain signals to the surrounding bone, gum tissue, and jaw joints.

In more serious cases, a cavity can lead to a dental abscess which are pockets of pus caused by infection that can cause significant swelling, throbbing pain, and pressure that radiates to the jaw or even up into the ear. This is typically a sign that urgent treatment is needed.

Other Dental Problems That Cause Jaw Pain

While cavities are a common culprit, they’re not the only dental issue that can affect the jaw. Gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, grinding (bruxism), or even a cracked tooth can all create pain that feels like it’s coming from your jaw. That’s why it’s important not to assume the cause and instead get a professional diagnosis if the discomfort lasts more than a day or two.

When to See a Dentist

If your jaw pain is persistent, especially when chewing or opening your mouth wide, or if you notice additional signs like tooth sensitivity, visible holes in your teeth, swelling, or bad breath, it’s time to call your dentist. Early intervention for a cavity can prevent more serious issues like infections or tooth loss, and spare you a lot of discomfort.

Takeaway

A cavity might start small, but it can lead to much bigger problems, including jaw pain, if left untreated. Because the nerves in your teeth and jaw are closely connected, what feels like jaw discomfort could actually be coming from a decaying tooth. If you’re dealing with pain in or around your jaw, especially alongside toothaches or sensitivity, be sure to schedule a quick dental checkup as it could save you from a lot of pain down the road.