How Stress Leads to Teeth Grinding

When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your body often responds by tensing your muscles. This tension can manifest anywhere, including in your jaw, causing you to unconsciously clench or grind your teeth. Nighttime bruxism is particularly common because your body processes stress while you sleep, leading to repetitive grinding motions that you may not notice until symptoms appear.

In some cases, daytime grinding can also occur, especially during periods of intense concentration, frustration, or anxiety.

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

Because bruxism often happens while you sleep, you may be unaware of it until symptoms develop. Some common warning signs include:

• Persistent jaw soreness or tightness
• Morning headaches or earaches
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Flattened, chipped, or worn-down teeth
• Clicking or popping in the jaw (TMJ issues)
• Disrupted sleep

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to address them early to prevent more significant damage.

How Bruxism Can Affect Your Oral Health

Chronic teeth grinding can gradually wear down your tooth enamel (the protective outer layer of your teeth), making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. It can also lead to cracks, fractures, or even tooth loss. Additionally, the constant strain on your jaw muscles and joints can contribute to disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing chronic pain and limited jaw movement.

Treatment Options for Bruxism

The good news is that bruxism is treatable. Your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep and help reduce the impact of grinding. Stress management techniques, such as exercise or meditation, can also help address the root cause of your bruxism.

Other strategies for easing stress include avoiding caffeine before bed, practicing good sleep hygiene, and being mindful of daytime teeth clenching habits. In more advanced cases of bruxism, treatments like muscle relaxants or BOTOX® injections may be used to reduce jaw tension.

Keeping Your Smile Stress-Free

Managing stress is not only important for your overall well-being, but it’s also essential for maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. By recognizing the signs of bruxism and visiting your dentist for treatment as early as possible, you can prevent long-term damage to your smile and keep your teeth strong and protected.

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A study published in the Journal of Dentistry shows a connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and awake bruxism (daytime teeth grinding)  [1].

These findings suggest important implications for dentists when treating patients with jaw pain and oral health issues. Here’s what the study found and what it could mean for patients who have PTSD.

PTSD and Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

The study examined 701 patients with an average age of 46. Researchers found that patients with PTSD were more likely to develop painful TMDs and awake bruxism compared to those without the condition.

Even patients with subthreshold post-traumatic stress symptoms—those who have some symptoms but don’t completely meet the criteria for the disorder—showed higher odds of painful TMD and sleep bruxism than those who had experienced no traumatic events.

Symptom Severity Correlation

One of the most interesting findings of the study was that the more PTSD symptoms a person had, the more likely they were to clench or grind their teeth while awake. In fact, among all the groups studied, people with awake bruxism showed the highest rates of PTSD at 14.7%.

This direct relationship suggests that jaw problems might actually be physical manifestations of psychological distress. Based on these findings, the research team recommends that dentists consider screening for trauma history when patients come in with jaw pain or teeth grinding issues, as addressing the underlying psychological factors could be crucial for successful treatment.

This research supports previous knowledge that jaw clenching and teeth grinding may be linked to emotional symptoms like stress, depression, and anxiety [2].

Clinical Implications for Dental Professionals

The study’s findings suggest that dentists may need to:

• Consider incorporating trauma screening into their patient evaluation protocols, especially for those presenting with TMDs or bruxism.
• Work with mental health specialists, especially for patients with both PTSD and jaw pain, to improve treatment outcomes [3].
• Be more aware of the potential connection between psychological trauma and physical symptoms to allow for more targeted interventions.

Do You Clench or Grind Your Teeth?

As dentists understand more about how psychological factors can contribute to their patients’ symptoms, oral health professionals will play an even bigger role in comprehensive care for patients with both oral health issues and mental health challenges.

If you clench or grind your teeth, don’t wait to make an appointment with your dentist. They can conduct a thorough screening to determine if you suffer from bruxism or TMDs and help you discover your options for long-term oral health and wellness!

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571225001010?via%3Dihub
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7793806/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19758407/

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While occasional teeth grinding may not seem like a big deal, severe or chronic bruxism can result in significant problems. Let’s take a closer look at the long-term impacts of teeth grinding on your teeth and overall health.

Oral Health Problems

The immense pressure placed on the teeth and jaw muscles during bruxism can lead to a variety of dental issues. Since teeth grinding puts much more pressure on the teeth than it takes to chew food—up to 250 pounds of force—teeth can quickly become damaged [1].

As a result, teeth grinding can cause:

• Worn tooth enamel, leading to a higher risk of cavities and discoloration
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Loose teeth and tooth loss
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Tooth sensitivity
• Flat teeth that look unnaturally even and make it harder to effectively chew food

Impact on Overall Health

Beyond dental health, bruxism can also impact your overall health. The constant clenching not only affects the jaw but can cause headaches and migraines due to the strain placed on facial muscles. Over time, this can lead to earaches and even chronic pain.

Some people with bruxism also experience tension that radiates out from their jaw to their neck, shoulders, and upper back [2]. What might seem like a muscular issue could actually be a problem with teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

Preventing Long-Term Damage

The best way to prevent long-term damage from teeth grinding is to get regular checkups with your dentist. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth by looking for signs of bruxism, like unusual wear patterns on molars or craze lines—superficial lines in the teeth that can happen with repeated teeth clenching or grinding.

Perhaps most importantly, your dentist can help you take action now to prevent permanent damage to your smile, saving you from needing extensive dental work in the future to restore your teeth.

Managing Bruxism

While bruxism has the ability to impact your oral health and quality of life, the good news is that treatment is available. Since bruxism can have multiple causes, it’s essential to work with your dentist to help determine the underlying issue and put steps in place to protect your teeth [3].

Your dentist may recommend:

• A custom mouthguard to wear at night to prevent damage to your teeth
• Stress reduction techniques to reduce stress-related teeth grinding
• Lifestyle changes, like minimizing caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to teeth grinding
• Orthodontic treatment to fix an improper bite that could contribute to bruxism

Protect Your Teeth From Teeth Grinding

If you suspect you clench or grind your teeth, don’t ignore the problem. Contact your dentist today to schedule an exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Your dentist can identify signs of bruxism and work with you to implement practical solutions to support your smile for years to come.

Sources:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/
3. http://mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding 

The post What Are the Long-Term Impacts of Bruxism or Teeth Grinding? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Understanding these factors can help us take proactive measures to maintain our dental health and keep our teeth straight over the years. Below, we explore the reasons teeth may shift as you get older, the potential consequences, and what can be done to protect your smile.

Reasons for Teeth Shifting

Several factors contribute to teeth shifting as we age, including:

• Bone and tooth loss. Bones naturally lose density over time, and the same is true for jawbone [1]. This is especially true if teeth are missing. Teeth begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment. 
• Periodontal disease. Older adults are at higher risk for periodontal (gum) disease, which can cause loose teeth, teeth shifting, and even tooth loss [2].

• Teeth grinding. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down enamel and alter the alignment of teeth over time.
• Mesial drift. Mesial drift is the natural tendency of the teeth to move forward in the mouth, resulting in crooked teeth, especially in the lower arch [3].

Signs That Your Teeth May Be Shifting

Recognizing the signs of shifting teeth early can help you take action to prevent significant changes in your smile. Signs that your teeth may be shifting include:

• Increased gaps between teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Changes in how your teeth fit together
• Speech changes due to misalignment
• Sensitive teeth, especially around previously stable areas

If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your dentist or orthodontist for a professional evaluation.

The Consequences of Teeth Misalignment

Shifting teeth can lead to more than just aesthetic concerns. Some potential consequences of misaligned teeth include:

• Increased risk of decay. Misaligned teeth can create areas that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of cavities.

• Gum disease. Crowded teeth may lead to gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontal disease if not addressed.

• Jaw pain and discomfort. Changes in your bite may cause jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

• Aesthetic concerns. Misalignment can affect your smile and your confidence, leading to reduced self-esteem.

Protecting Your Teeth as You Age

While some shifting is a natural part of aging, there are still things you can do to reduce its impact.

First, if you’ve had orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to wear your retainers. A few times a week at night is enough to keep your teeth straight and prevent shifting over time.

It’s also crucial to keep your regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can help catch any shifting and its cause early on, reducing the chances that you’d need orthodontic treatment. 

Finally, maintain good oral hygiene. Brush and floss every day, eat a healthy diet, and avoid harmful habits like chewing on inedible objects or smoking. 

Concerned About Teeth Shifting?

If you’ve noticed changes in your dental alignment or have concerns about your teeth, now is the time to take action. Contact your orthodontist or dentist today to schedule an evaluation and discuss options to keep your teeth healthy and aligned as you age. Your smile is worth it!

Sources:

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000951.htm
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8223257/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/9973 

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However, these joints can also cause problems for those who have misaligned teeth, an improper bite, or arthritis. TMJ disorders can cause many symptoms, including clicking or popping noises, inability to open the mouth all the way, and jaw pain.

But what are some other, more unexpected symptoms of TMJ you may not have heard of?

Ear Pain

Ear aches or infections can happen as the result of TMJ issues [1]. Since the temporomandibular joints are so close to the ears, ear problems may be misdiagnosed when really the TMJ is the culprit.

People who have ear problems as the result of TMJ may have a feeling of fullness in their ear or tinnitus (ringing of the ears). While experts aren’t sure why this happens, your dentist can help diagnose any TMJ problems, especially if you’ve received treatment for ear issues that hasn’t helped.

Affected Vision

Your vision in one or both eyes may be affected as the result of TMJ inflammation or malfunction [2]. But why does this happen?

The temporomandibular joints are very close to a major nerve called the trigeminal nerve, which is also linked to your vision in addition to your jaw and brain. If these joints are inflamed, they may affect your vision.

Problems may include blurry vision, “tired” eyes, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, or even light sensitivity or watery eyes.

Neck or Shoulder Pain

TMJ problems often lead to muscle tension in the jaw, which can cause pain and tension to radiate outward to affect your neck and even your shoulders and upper back [3].

In addition, to compensate for jaw pain as the result of TMJ, you may unconsciously hold your head or neck in an unnatural position to help reduce your discomfort. Poor posture is a symptom of TMJ discomfort, but can also be a cause as well!

Dizziness

Since TMJ disorders can affect the ears, some people may experience dizziness. The muscles and connective tissue that support the jaw can experience inflammation as a result of a problem with the TMJ, and this, in turn, can affect the inner ear.

The inner ear helps manage your sense of balance, so a problem with your inner ear as the result of TMJ inflammation could lead to vertigo as a symptom of TMJ disorders [4].

Numbness or Tingling

Since the TMJ is so close to the trigeminal nerve, any inflammation around these joints could possibly lead to numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or fingers as the result of a pinched trigeminal nerve. You may also experience weakness or an aching feeling in these areas [5].

While this isn’t a common symptom, it’s something to consider if you’re having other TMJ symptoms in addition to symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?

TMJ disorders are treatable. If you’re experiencing any of these or the more common symptoms of a problem with your temporomandibular joints, don’t hesitate to seek help from your experienced dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296994/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045971/
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2016/april/tmj-
the-small-joint-that-can-cause-big-pain
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296954/
5. http://www.ajnr.org/content/30/7/1414

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Sleep apnea has many effects on the body, but did you know that it can also affect your oral health? Here’s how untreated sleep apnea may cause problems for your smile!

Dry Mouth Can Lead to an Increased Risk for Cavities

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked during sleep due to the muscles collapsing around the airway, leading to an inability to get air into the lungs. The brain will then signal you to wake up so breathing can resume.

When air has trouble getting into the lungs yet has not stopped completely, it will create a vibration in your throat leading to snoring. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Snoring also causes the mouth to remain open during sleep in an effort to get enough air into the body. Breathing through the mouth causes the oral cavity to dry out, which can lead to an increase in oral bacteria that could influence your risk for cavities [1].

Saliva flow is already reduced during sleep, so mouth breathing can exacerbate this effect to make tooth enamel damage more likely.

People With Sleep Disorders May Be More at Risk for Bruxism

Research has linked sleep disorders such as sleep apnea to an increased risk for bruxism, also known as teeth grinding [2]. The connection isn’t well understood, but people who suffer from sleep apnea should be evaluated for teeth grinding during their regular dental exam.

Getting treatment for bruxism is essential, as it can lead to fractured teeth, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss. Symptoms may include morning headaches, sensitive teeth, or a sore jaw or teeth.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Has Been Associated With Gum Disease

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type of sleep apnea, you may be more at risk for gum disease [3].

While the link between the two isn’t conclusive, experts speculate that the systemic inflammation OSA causes may make gum disease more likely. However, more research is needed to better understand the connection between the two disorders.

What Can You Do?

There are a few things you can do to help reduce sleep apnea’s effect on your smile:

• Get treatment for sleep apnea. Getting treatment for sleep apnea can help reduce or
  eliminate your symptoms and protect your oral health!
• Don’t put off those dental visits. Your dentist can help you manage any oral health issues you’re having as the result of your sleep apnea. Your dentist may even be able to help treat your sleep apnea through what’s called an oral appliance, which is a retainer- like device that helps keep your airway open when sleeping.
• Engage in regular oral care. Keeping your smile healthy by brushing and flossing daily in addition to eating healthy can help you keep your teeth and gums problem-free for a beautiful smile!

If you suffer from sleep apnea, don’t neglect those regular dental visits—they could save your smile and even help address your sleep apnea symptoms with oral appliance therapy!

Sources:
1. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/have-sleep-apnea-why-you-shouldnt-put-
2. http://marketplace.ada.org/blog/dental-sleep-apnea-how-sleep-disorders-affect-your-
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19198909/

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How is bruxism treated? Here are the top tips to curb your teeth grinding habit before it’s too late!

Consider Quitting Alcohol and Tobacco

People who use tobacco and drink alcohol are twice as likely to grind their teeth as people who don’t [1]. If you grind your teeth, consider quitting tobacco and reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption to better manage the habit. How exactly these substances influence your risk for teeth grinding isn’t known, but managing your behaviors when it comes to tobacco and alcohol use may help reduce bruxism.

There is even some evidence that suggests caffeine consumption can influence teeth grinding. If you clench or grind your teeth while asleep, eliminating caffeine in the hours before sleep may be helpful in stopping bruxism!

Evaluate Your Stress Levels

Stress is a major factor when it comes to teeth grinding, so better managing your stress may help improve the condition. People who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety are more likely to grind their teeth, so trying different relaxing techniques—whether it’s doing something you enjoy, taking on less at work, or finding additional support in your life—could help reduce or curb your bruxism habit [2].

Get Your Misaligned Teeth Fixed

For some patients, an abnormal bite or misaligned teeth can influence their risk of teeth grinding. When the jaw doesn’t close comfortably, it can place stress on the temporomandibular joints, which could affect bruxism.

While not everyone will need orthodontic treatment to fix these issues, others will. Your dentist can let you know during your consultation whether or not your bite could be affecting your bruxism, as well as what you can do about it.

Talk to Your Dentist About a Custom Mouthguard

While many cases of teeth grinding can be managed by identifying underlying factors that are influencing the condition, it’s important to protect your teeth while you’re getting your bruxism under control. Getting a custom mouthguard is one way to treat your bruxism and prevent damage to your teeth that may be irreversible in the long run [3]. Most dentist practices offer custom mouthguards for patients which are designed to be comfortable for nightly use to protect your smile!

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding!

Ignoring teeth grinding won’t make the problem go away. If you suspect you suffer from teeth grinding, or your dentist finds evidence of bruxism during your dental examination, don’t hesitate to begin treating the problem. Your dentist can help you uncover the cause and put a treatment plan in place for your bruxism!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
2. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_49.ashx
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/

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Abnormal Bite or Misaligned Teeth

The position of your jaw and teeth can influence teeth grinding [1]. If you have an abnormal bite (also called a malocclusion) or crooked teeth, you’re at greater risk to grind your teeth than someone who has proper jaw and teeth alignment.

Fortunately, most cases of malocclusion can be treated with oral appliances such as orthodontic treatment. People who have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may also be at increased risk to grind their teeth, and should seek treatment for this condition to potentially improve their bruxism [2].

Stress and Anxiety

Many cases of teeth grinding are suspected to be caused by stress [3]. People who experience chronic stress or suffer from an anxiety disorder may be more likely to grind their teeth either while asleep or awake.

Taking steps to reduce your stress and anxiety may help improve your bruxism; however, while you seek treatment, getting a mouthguard from your dentist is essential to protect your teeth from further damage.

Sleep Disorders

The link between bruxism and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been well documented. People who have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea are more likely to experience bruxism.

Fortunately, research suggests that treating sleep apnea may help eliminate bruxism entirely [4]. If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other Causes

Other research has linked teeth grinding to tobacco use, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse [5]. The reason for this isn’t exactly clear, but the association could mean people who use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are more likely to grind their teeth.

Caffeine consumption has also been linked to bruxism, suggesting that people who suffer from teeth grinding may want to reduce or eliminate their caffeine consumption in the hours before bed to potentially help the disorder.

Don’t Ignore Bruxism!

Bruxism can wear down teeth over time, leading to flattened or shortened teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even teeth fractures. An exam with your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth and help uncover the cause to stop your bruxism and protect your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529927/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/A_new_way_for_TMJ
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592147
5. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30541-4/fulltext

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Bruxism can be caused by stress, an improper bite, or even a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. What happens if you continue to grind your teeth without seeking treatment? Here are some of the long-term impacts of this damaging condition.

Headaches

Grinding your teeth has the potential to cause tension headaches and chronic migraines [1]. Your teeth can create immense force for chewing, but that same force isn’t meant to be placed on your other teeth! By clenching or grinding your teeth, you can accumulate muscle tension that can cause headaches, neck pain, and even shoulder or upper back discomfort.

Gum Recession

The stress placed on teeth during teeth grinding can cause gum tissue to become inflamed. Gum tissue can even begin to pull away from the teeth, resulting in exposed roots and tooth sensitivity. Gum recession is also a sign of gum disease, so don’t hesitate to visit your dentist if you notice your teeth look longer or are more sensitive.

Worn-Down Teeth

Repeated instances of clenching or grinding can eventually wear down your teeth. Your teeth may be more sensitive or look shorter than they used to. Teeth may also have a flattened or unnaturally even appearance when they’ve been affected by teeth grinding [2].

Your teeth can’t grow back, so once they appear shorter, you’ll need to consult with your dentist to determine what type of cosmetic treatments are available to restore your smile.

Fractured Teeth

Bruxism can also cause teeth to chip, fracture, or break. Teeth that accumulate chips will become uneven in appearance, while fractures that are deeper can cause the need for root canal therapy. Teeth can even become so impacted that they can break off in places, causing the need for restorative treatments to repair your smile.

Loose Teeth

One of the most devastating consequences of teeth grinding over the long-term is loose teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss [3]. When teeth are repeatedly impacted by bruxism, their structure can weaken and cause the ligaments that hold them in the skull to weaken as well. Your may feel as though your teeth fit together differently, or your teeth may be visibly loose. Without treatment at this point, your teeth could eventually fall out or need to be extracted.

Bruxism isn’t something to be ignored. If you wake up with headaches or an aching jaw or teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can tell whether or not you grind your teeth and work with you to design a treatment plan that works for you before your smile suffers the consequences!

Sources:
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-
headaches/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-
20356095
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding

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If you’re experiencing symptoms of a toothache, you may have pain accompanied by a
persistent bad taste in your mouth, swelling in your face or gum tissue, and even a fever. These
are all signs and symptoms that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Here are a few potential causes of your painful toothache that your dentist can evaluate your
smile for!

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay that has progressed to the point of a tooth infection is one of the primary reasons
people have toothaches. According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay can also
cause teeth to be sensitive and react to hot and cold foods and beverages and even cold air [1].

Unfortunately many people don’t realize they have a cavity until it has progressed to the point
of pain. Getting your tooth pain addressed as quickly as possible can eliminate the need for an
extraction and save your tooth!

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding—also referred to as bruxism—can put immense pressure on teeth that can lead
to aching. Most people who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth while asleep and are unaware
they have this habit.

If you’re consistently grinding your teeth, you could be experiencing painful aching as the result
of the additional stress on your teeth, which can cause tooth fractures, inflamed gum tissue,
and rapid tooth wear [2]. There is treatment for bruxism to curb the damage and alleviate your
pain!

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can cause teeth to ache. If gum disease progresses to the
point that it causes an active infection in the mouth, your gum tissue may contain pockets of
infection around your tooth roots that can lead to painful teeth and sore gums.

Gum disease is common in American adults; however, the earlier you catch the disease, the
easier it is to treat, so don’t wait to seek help.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth don’t erupt until the teenage years (and sometimes in early adulthood). Wisdom
teeth that are impacted come in at harsh angles, leading them to press against the surrounding
teeth which can cause toothaches that can worsen as the wisdom teeth attempt to emerge.

Only x-rays with your dentist can tell if your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be
extracted. Wisdom tooth extractions are common and a relatively simple procedure that can
alleviate your toothache and get your smile feeling good again in no time!

Oral Cancer

Pain in the mouth is also associated with oral cancer and may masquerade as a toothache.
Some of the symptoms of a tooth infection and oral cancer can overlap, such as having a lump
in the mouth, swelling, or trouble swallowing [3]. Your dentist can conduct an oral cancer
screening during your exam to determine if you should be evaluated further for oral cancer.

See Your Dentist!

Whether your toothache is being caused by a simple cavity or a complex case of gum disease,
it’s never wise to ignore pain. Your dentist can tell what’s going on and work with you to
effectively treat the root cause of your toothache so that you can feel better as soon as
possible!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4761372/
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

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