Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

If you have ever suffered a toothache in the lower row of your mouth, it was probably related to a cavity or dental infection. While these are the most common causes of tooth pain, there are other, less common reasons. Here are three unusual reasons for lower dental pain and what you can do about them:

Neck Arthritis

If you have arthritic conditions of the neck, you may experience referred pain to your lower teeth. Neck arthritis and similar degenerative bone disorders can not only cause dental pain, they can also lead to jaw discomfort and problems with chewing.

If you develop pain in your lower teeth, seek out the expertise of a dental services professional. If he or she determines that the source of your pain is related to arthritis, you may be referred back to your family physician for further evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, consider taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to help ease your symptoms. 

Medication Side Effects

If you take medications to slow the progression of osteoporosis, you may be at risk for developing dental pain. Not only do these prescription drugs have the potential to cause toothaches, they may also heighten your risk for jaw fractures.

If you have lower dental pain that is accompanied by jaw pain, or if you have difficulty opening your mouth, see your dentist or oral surgeon. You may need to get an X-ray of your jawbone to determine if it has been damaged by your osteoporosis medications. If you do, your physician will request that you discontinue their use and that you see your dentist to evaluate the bones that support your teeth to determine if they are still structurally sound. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Another possible reason for lower dental pain, especially pain that only affects the left side of your mouth, is cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and angina pain typically cause chest pain that can radiate either down your left arm or up toward the left side of your neck and jaw.

You may perceive this pain as dental pain; however, if you experience discomfort in the left lower row of your teeth that is accompanied by chest pain or pressure, seek emergency medical treatment and chew an aspirin tablet. Doing so may help dissolve the blood clot that is obstructing the flow of blood in your coronary artery. If your symptoms are the result of a heart attack, getting prompt treatment can mean the difference between a favorable prognosis and a poor prognosis. 

If you develop dental pain, work with both your dentist and your family physician. When you work with both of these health care professionals, you are more likely to enjoy excellent oral health and a lower risk for dental-related complications.