Have you ever wondered why your jaw starts aching when your allergies flare up during certain seasons? If so, you’re not alone. Many dental patients report an increase in jaw pain and tightness when they experience seasonal allergy symptoms. While the connection may not be immediately apparent, there is growing evidence that allergies can significantly impact the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and lead to pain and discomfort.
As we enter peak allergy season this spring, it’s crucial to understand how jaw issues and allergies can be interrelated. In this post, our emergency dentists in Manhattan explore the research-backed connection between seasonal allergies and TMJ disorders, signs to look out for, and who to see to feel relief.
Figuring out if it’s seasonal allergies or a dental emergency causing your jaw pain can be tricky–but not impossible. Here are a couple of key differences to watch out for.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, or hay fever as some call it, can bring on a range of symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. As aforementioned, hay fever can also trigger jaw pain and might even up the chances of TMD. When allergies kick in, sinuses swell up, causing inflammation that can push on the jaw, leading to some discomfort.
If you’re dealing with jaw pain from seasonal allergies, you might notice other symptoms like a runny nose, scratchy throat, and watery eyes. Also, you could feel some pressure or fullness in your jaw along with the pain.
Typically, once you treat the allergies and reduce sinus inflammation, the pain should ease. The treatment for jaw pain caused by seasonal allergies varies from person to person. Generally, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation in the sinuses.
Dental Emergency
On the flip side, jaw pain could also signal a dental emergency. This kind of discomfort tends to be more intense and lasting compared to jaw pain from allergies. You might notice other signs like a toothache, swelling, or trouble opening and closing your mouth.
If the pain is terrible and won’t let up, plus you’re having other dental issues, it might be a dental emergency. A dental emergency might stem from various issues like an infected or cracked tooth, a jaw injury, or a dental abscess.
Our emergency dentists in Manhattan will figure out the best treatment based on what’s causing the pain. For instance, they might recommend a root canal, therapeutic injectables, or a dental extraction. If you’re dealing with severe jaw pain and suspect it’s a dental emergency, it’s crucial to get prompt care from our Manhattan emergency dentists.
Catch Up with Our Manhattan Emergency Dentists
What’s causing your jaw pain? If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to chat with a pro like our Manhattan emergency dentists. They will identify the problem, provide emergency dental care, and guide you toward the appropriate treatment. Reach out to Group Health Dental today.
