Do I Have a Toothache or TMJ?

If you’re struggling with mouth pain, then you are probably desperate for answers. Is this normal? What is causing the pain? And how can I find relief? Toothaches can be caused by a variety of dental issues. However, sometimes TMJ can also be the culprit. So are you struggling with a dental toothache or TMJ? We’ll explain the difference in the article below.

Toothache Vs. Tooth Sensitivity

Firstly, let’s talk about the location of your pain. Is one specific tooth bothering you, or do you have pain throughout your mouth? If you have pain in one tooth, then you might have an issue such as a cracked tooth, cavity, or abscess. If you have recently had oral surgery, you might also be dealing with an infection, so talk to a dentist. However, if you have overall oral pain, you might have tooth sensitivity. This is usually caused by weak tooth enamel and can be triggered by eating, drinking, or putting pressure on the teeth. Tooth sensitivity is fairly common. However, it should also be examined by a dentist.

What About TMJ?

A TMJ disorder (which patients often call “TMJ” for short) is a condition affecting the joints of the jawbone. This joint is used to open and close the mouth. If you have TMJ pain, then you will likely feel it in your jaw or lower face. However, the pain can sometimes radiate inward, causing what feels like tooth pain. This can make it hard for some patients to locate the source of their pain.