Your mouth and jaw shouldn’t suffer. Have you been asking, “Why does chewing hurt?” when enjoying your favorite foods? Let’s talk about what can cause jaw or tooth discomfort and how to find relief.

Where Does it Hurt?

When you’re trying to figure out, “Why does chewing hurt?” sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the source of the discomfort. Is it a tooth? Or your jaw? If you’re experiencing any discomfort in your mouth, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. But answering some questions before your visit can be helpful so that you can better explain to your dentist what you’ve been experiencing.

Is it Temperature Sensitive?

Do you tend to experience greater discomfort when you bite into cold or hot foods? If so, you may be dealing with tooth sensitivity. A number of issues can lead to tooth sensitivity, so it’s a good idea to get it checked out as soon as you can. Possible causes might be a cavity, tooth decay, or a misaligned bite, so it’s important to rule those out.

Are You Experiencing Stress?

Sometimes the answer to the question, “Why does chewing hurt?” can lead back to factors unrelated to your dental health. Stress is a common cause of tension throughout the body and is a leading cause of jaw discomfort. If you have been experiencing extra stress in your life lately, it can be helpful to try practicing some things that promote calmness for your mind and body, such as meditation, massage, regular exercise, time in nature, a hot bath, or simply listening to music.

Does Your Ear or Face Hurt?

If you’ve been experiencing an earache, headache, or discomfort in your face, along with pain when you chew, you might have a condition called TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. Other symptoms often include a clicking noise or grinding sensation when moving your jaw or chewing.

TMJ is typically a temporary condition that resolves with a home treatment plan, but if your case is causing a lot of discomfort, your dentist may prescribe a mouthguard, physical therapy, or massage therapy for your jaw to help ensure prompt healing.

Whatever the cause behind your dental discomfort, your dentist is your most helpful resource to pinpoint the cause so that you can ensure you start on the right treatment plan and find relief as quickly as possible.

Call our West Jordan Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.