It is possible to become so accustomed to the discomfort in your jaw while eating that you don't notice it at all. Some find it when chewing or eating crunchy or chewy food, others feel soreness after a long conversation. The pain can be around the teeth, in the cheeks or at the jaw joint.

There are a number of everyday activities that could be causing your jaw pain. Extra stress on the jaw muscles can be caused by clenching or grinding teeth, chewing mainly on one side, biting hard foods or stress. Any dental issues like a broken tooth or a misaligned bite can also cause difficulty in chewing.

A dentist ocala Southwest may inquire about the onset of the pain and if it is triggered by food or motion. The dentist may examine the teeth, gums, bite, and movement of the jaw during the exam to see if there are any abnormalities that might help to determine the cause of discomfort.

It's helpful to know when the discomfort occurs. Sometimes, awareness of whether it occurs after waking up, during meals or after stressful situations can be helpful when attending an appointment.

A dentist ocala southwest can also talk about some habits that could be creating more pressure on the jaw. If pain persists or intensifies, an examination may be performed to determine if there is a dental or jaw problem.

Instead of changing your diet to accommodate occasional pain, just talk to a southwest dentist about what might be going on and what treatment might be suitable.