4 Jaw-Related Issues That Can Cause Dental Problems

The gums and teeth receive the most attention for oral care and dental procedures. However, jaw issues can also affect dental health.

A variety of causes can contribute to jaw conditions. Identifying what might be wrong can set you on the road to recovery. Below are some of the most common diseases of the jaw and what causes them.

1. Bruxism

Bruxism is the condition where a patient grinds or gnashes teeth. A person suffering from bruxism unconsciously clenches their teeth when awake or asleep. Mild teeth grinding may not necessitate treatment, but aggressive grinding can have long-lasting effects on your teeth and jaw.

Tooth damage is a significant repercussion of clenching and grinding. Bruxism wears off the enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity. The clenching and grinding habit also causes pressure on teeth leading to gum recession.

The early symptoms of bruxism, such as tight jaw muscles and worn enamel, are easy to treat. If ignored over the long run, however, you may require extensive dental correction to repair.

If you suffer from bruxism, avoid alcohol consumption, as it triggers grinding tendencies. You also want to fit a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums.

2. Teeth Malocclusion

Your upper and lower jaws typically do not grow at the same rate. Malocclusion is any condition where teeth get misaligned due to asymmetrical growth or misaligned jaws. Teeth misalignment can lead to health complications such as overbites, underbites, open bites, and crowded teeth. 

Your teeth are vital organs that aid in eating, speaking, breathing, and general appearance. Severe misalignment can negatively affect these functions and your psychological well-being and increase the risk of gum disease.

Early childhood habits such as thumb sucking and frequent pacifier use are contributing factors, but malocclusion is primarily inherited. Orthognathic surgery can correct inherited jaw abnormalities. 

3. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

TMD refers to any dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Temporomandibular joints are in front of your ears on both sides of your face. The joint is responsible for jaw actions such as chewing and speaking.

TMD often results from irritation or inflammation of the muscles and ligaments surrounding your jaw joints. The inflammation or irritation can result from an injury to the jaw joint, arthritis, or teeth grinding.

The symptoms of TMD can include facial pain, headaches, and neck aches. The jaw can also produce a clicking sound when chewing or opening your mouth. Severe cases of TMD can even cause the jaw to remain in an open or closed position.

Treatment for TMD can vary depending on your level of discomfort and the cause. Even so, simple self-care practices such as eating soft foods and avoiding too much strain on the joint will aid recovery.

4. Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) occurs when the jaw bone becomes exposed, resulting in a lack of blood flow. Consequently, your jawbone begins to weaken and die, causing pain.

ONJ may occur spontaneously or — in most cases — after a dental procedure like tooth extraction. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking antiresorptive medication are also at risk.

Despite the nature of ONJ, it is a treatable condition. Each ONJ patient requires a treatment plan tailored to their symptoms and the severity of the disease.



As soon as you feel pain or discomfort in your jaw or think you may have any of the listed diseases, contact your dentist immediately. Dentists can evaluate your oral health and, if necessary, guide you on treatment procedures.

Our expert team is always on hand to provide safe and quality dental services to help you achieve optimal oral health. Contact us today to arrange your next appointment and discuss any concerns you may have.