September is National Oral Health Month - an opportunity to focus on your dental health and learn more about common oral pain issues.

Dental and oral pain may be caused by various issues, including bite problems, infections, TMJ disorders, cracked or broken teeth or even tongue cancer. Knowing the source can help identify your source and find appropriate solutions.

Bite Problems

When your teeth are not properly aligned, this can result in bite problems which lead to dental pain. Overbites, underbites and crossbites all put strain on jaw muscles and teeth leading to pain and discomfort for all involved. In severe cases of bite issues there can even be joint issues which result in additional pain as well as difficulty eating.

If you suspect your dental pain could be caused by a bite problem, it is essential that you visit a dentist immediately for an assessment and evaluation. Your dentist will likely recommend options like orthodontics or oral appliances to correct the issue and help alleviate your discomfort.

Tooth decay and gum disease are two prevalent dental issues that can lead to infection and pain in the mouth. When bacteria buildup occurs on teeth and gums, inflammation results, leading to swelling, discomfort and sometimes tooth loss.

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits - including brushing and flossing regularly - is crucial to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Should an infection arise, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and suggest additional solutions such as root canal therapy or periodontal therapy to address it.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders TMJ disorders, also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD), occur when there is pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common symptoms of TMJDs include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing your mouth and difficulty chewing.

TMJ disorders may be caused by stress, injury or arthritis and treatment options include physical therapy, oral appliances or, in extreme cases, surgery.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Damage to one's teeth can be extremely uncomfortable, as well as increasing risk for infection. Cracked and broken teeth may have various causes including trauma, decay and biting down on hard objects.

If you suspect that you have cracked or broken teeth, it is vital that you visit a dentist as soon as possible. He may suggest treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals depending on the severity of your issue.

Tongue Cancer Whilst less prevalent, tongue cancer should never be ignored as a potential source of dental and oral pain. Symptoms can include pain, difficulty swallowing and changes to speech patterns.

If you recognize these symptoms, it's essential that you visit a dentist or physician immediately. Potential treatment options for tongue cancer could include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Dental and oral pain can result from many causes, such as bite problems, infections, TMJ disorders, cracked or broken teeth and tongue cancer. If you are experiencing dental or oral discomfort it is crucial that you visit a dentist immediately for evaluation and appropriate treatment. Furthermore, regular dentist visits and good oral hygiene habits will help protect against dental issues in the first place - be sure to prioritize taking care of your oral health this September and all year round!