Your mouth is one of the more sensitive areas of your body. Pain here can be particularly frustrating as it may interfere with eating and speaking. So what causes mouth pain? The answer is that pain in your mouth can be due to many reasons. We’ll take a look at some of the most common causes below.
Cold Sores
Cold sores can be incredibly annoying, but they are rarely serious. They typically appear on the lips or just inside your mouth. Cold sores may be sensitive to pressure and aggravated by certain foods, particularly hot, spicy, or salty foods.
A cold sore is a manifestation of a viral infection, so antibiotics will not help as these drugs only combat bacterial infections. Typically, you can treat a cold sore with over-the-counter remedies. However, for very large, persistent, or frequently recurring cold sores, you should seek the advice of your dentist or family physician. There is a good chance they will have access to more powerful medications.
Jaw Problems
Pain from your jaw may radiate into your mouth. It is not uncommon to experience passing jaw pain, but frequent or intense pain should be investigated. This phenomenon may be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
The TMJs are the points where your mandible (jaw bone) attaches to your skull. There are a number of possible causes of TMJ dysfunction, including infections and muscle issues. Fortunately, your dentist can provide treatment for these problems.
Another potential cause of jaw pain is bruxism, grinding your teeth in your sleep. You may be suffering from bruxism if you awaken with an aching jaw. Again, your dentist can help. They may recommend a night guard mouthpiece to protect against the effects of bruxism.
Sialadenitis and Sialolithiasis
These conditions affect the salivary glands in your mouth. Sialadenitis is an inflammation of the salivary glands usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. Some people mistake the symptoms for an oncoming cold.
Sialolithiasis is the formation of stones within the salivary ducts. This problem can be quite painful and aggravated with eating. If you suspect you are suffering from either of these conditions, visit your dentist or doctor right away. Both problems are usually treatable, especially if caught in the early stages.
Of course, while the conditions above are common, the majority of mouth pain cases come from the teeth and gums. If you experience dental pain or pain in your gums, let your dentist know immediately. The pain could be a sign of infection, decay, or another disease process that needs professional attention.