Please note: if your pain is severe or unbearable, see your dentist immediately. If you are near Las Vegas, Henderson or Laughlin, Nevada, call us immediately at (702) 388-8888 or schedule an appointment with Boston Dental Group.
Pain in your jaw is a symptom of a variety of conditions. Some of these are easy to fix and relatively harmless, while others are more difficult and can be harmful to your health.
Knowing what type of pain you have and where it is coming from can help you identify why your jaw hurts. In this blog post, we’ll explain some of the conditions that might make your jaw hurt, what this pain will probably feel like, and the cause.
This is not an exhaustive list of causes, but these are some of the most common conditions causing jaw pain.
How it feels: dull pain localized to one area, worsens with brushing, flossing or eating sugary drinks or foods.
A cavity is one issue that can make your jaw hurt. A cavity is a small hole in your tooth caused by acid-producing bacteria. When these bacteria eat through the tooth’s tough outer surface, the enamel, they then start to eat away the softer inner tissues. The deeper or larger the cavity becomes, the more you will notice it.
At first, the cavity may not be very noticeable; you may notice it only when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sugary, or you may notice it only when you touch the tooth. If you feel pain in your jaw, even if it is minor, see your dentist. Your dentist can fill the cavity and stop the tooth decay from worsening. If it persists, it can turn into a tooth infection, a dangerous condition we will cover later in the post.
How it feels: soreness and aching in your jaw muscles, especially upon waking.
Bruxism is also known as teeth grinding. This can occur during the night while you sleep, or you may do it during the day without noticing. Bruxism is usually the result of stress. However, you may grind your teeth without realizing you are stressed. The longer you do it, the harder it is to stop and the more damage it will do to your teeth and jaw muscles.
If you have sleep bruxism, you will probably notice a sore ache in your jaw muscles when you wake up in the morning. If you have awake bruxism, you may catch yourself grinding your teeth throughout the day, and it may hurt to chew or yawn. Your dentist can give you a custom-fitted mouthguard to lessen the effects of sleep bruxism and protect your teeth. Since bruxism is often a sign of stress, it’s best to identify the triggers of your teeth grinding and avoid them, or learn other coping mechanisms.
How it feels: Pain in multiple areas when eating or drinking cold or hot foods.
Gum disease and periodontal disease occurs when bacteria build up in the pockets between the teeth and gums. Normally, these pockets should be between 1 and 3 mm deep. Deeper pockets are signs of gum disease and, the more advanced state, periodontal disease. When this occurs, it causes the gums to pull away from teeth, which can expose the softer tissues. This can cause pain in the teeth and jaw when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or drinks.
As periodontal disease progresses, the pain and sensitivity will get worse. Gum disease is preventable with diligent brushing, flossing, drinking water and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. Once the condition has set in, the damage can be undone with special techniques like scaling and root planing (SRP).
How it feels: Dull pain in one area, worse when eating, brushing, or touching the affected area.
If your face or jaw was recently struck, perhaps while playing sports or in a vehicle accident, the area may be bruised. This might not be immediately visible, or the visible signs may disappear while the pain remains.
Often, this is not a cause for concern. The bruised area will eventually heal on its own and the pain will subside. Applying ice can help. If the pain does not subside, or if you notice damage to the teeth around the affected area, your jaw may hurt because of another reason on the list.
How it feels: Pressure over the top jaw and a dull, aching pain.
Sometimes, your jaw hurts because of issues with other nearby structures, like the sinuses. The sinuses lay between the eyes, nose and mouth, and issues with the sinuses can cause pain to the top jaw. If you’ve recently had a cold and you still feel pain, pressure and fullness around your sinuses, you may have a sinus infection. This will cause a dull, consistent pain localized to your upper jaw. If both of your sinuses are infected, both sides will hurt. Otherwise, the pain will be focused to one side.
Sinus infections can go away on their own, but it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. Harvard Health Publishing explains that “85% of sinus infections improve or clear on their own, [but] there’s the 15% that do not. Potential complications are rare, but serious, and include brain infections, even abscesses.” If you have pain in your jaw around your sinuses for more than 10 days, or if your symptoms improved briefly, then got worse, you will probably need antibiotics.
How it feels: Sharp, stabbing pain in one area.
There are many ways that teeth can be damaged, and a cracked or damaged tooth can make your jaw hurt significantly. Sports injuries are among the most common causes of damaged teeth, however teeth that are already brittle from tooth decay can break more easily during less intense activities. If a tooth chips, cracks, or a crown or filling comes loose, the sensitive inner structures of the teeth will be exposed. When this happens, you will probably feel sharp, stabbing pains through your tooth and jaw.
If you notice a tooth has been damaged, see a dentist right away. The longer the tooth is exposed, the more vulnerable the inner structures will be, which puts you at risk of a tooth infection, which we will cover later in the post.
How it feels: Severe, persistent pain in the jaw, possibly extending to the face, head, or neck.
A tooth infection is a serious condition that can cause multiple other health issues if it is not resolved. If you have a tooth infection, you will probably notice swelling and discoloration around the gums or the tooth itself, as well as severe pain. You will feel this pain in your jaw, and it may extend to surrounding areas.
A tooth infection is caused by bacteria damaging the tooth root. This may occur around the gums or deeper, at the base of the tooth root. As your body attempts to fight off the bacteria, an abscess will form, which will appear as a tender, reddish mass filled with fluid. If the infection is underneath the gums at the tooth root, this will not be visible.
If you have a tooth infection, see a dentist immediately. The infected tooth can be extracted and the infection treated, or a root canal can save the tooth. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the jaw, face, lymph nodes, or other structures. In some cases, an untreated tooth infection can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Now that you know what can cause your jaw to hurt and what each will feel like, you will know what to expect. Remember that any pain that is severe enough to distract you from your day-to-day activities should be treated. While some conditions can resolve on their own, it is best to be cautious and protect your oral health. If you have distracting pain in your jaw and you aren’t sure what it is or what to do, schedule an appointment at a dental office nearby. Our experienced dental professionals are happy to help.
Make an appointment today for quality, affordable dental care at any of our state-of-the-art BDG dentist offices, located throughout Las Vegas, Henderson and Laughlin, Nevada.
Clarissa Punzalan was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She earned her degree in dentistry from Manila Central University, where she became a licensed dentist in her country. After moving to the United States with her husband, Ronald, who served in the United States Air Force, Clarissa continued her dental career by earning her degree in Dental Hygiene from Concorde Career College in San Bernardino, California.
Throughout her journey, Clarissa has lived in various locations, including North Dakota, Okinawa, Japan, South Korea, and Maryland, before settling in Las Vegas. These experiences have given her a diverse mindset, allowing her to connect with patients from all walks of life and adapt to various cultural contexts with ease.
Clarissa is dedicated to provide the highest standard of care to her patients. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every patient receives personalized, thorough, and compassionate treatment. By staying current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and continuously honing her skills, Clarissa strives to make a positive impact on her patients’ oral health and overall well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and singing karaoke. She’s also a proud pet parent to Loki, her beloved Pomsky.
Dr. Hashtroudi was born in Sacramento, California and moved to Reno, Nevada at the age of 10. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. It was there he discovered the Dental club with a passion. He then shadowed his local dentist and fell in love with the art of dentistry.
His love of the Silver State prompted him to accept entry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduating with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, he then completed an additional year of Advanced Education in General Dentistry with the Lutheran Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Dr. Hashtroudi enjoys attending ongoing training each year to perfect his skills in all aspects of general dentistry including dental implants, emergency treatment, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
During his free time, Dr. Hashtroudi takes pleasure in playing tennis, snowboarding, swimming and spending time with his adorable son and wife.
Bio coming soon
Karolina attended Southwestern University in San Diego, where she earned her degree in Dental Hygiene. Her attention to detail and her gentle touch is appreciated by our patients. She enjoys working closely with her patients to ensure they receive the best treatment and are comfortable during their visit.
Karolina was born in Poland and grew up in Chicago. She then moved to Nevada, making Las Vegas her home. In her spare time, Karolina likes to spend time with her family. She enjoys cooking, craft making and traveling.
Minerva has been with BDG Dental Services since 2013. She graduated from Indiana University in 2007 with an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor in General Studies. She is bi-lingual, fluent in English and Spanish.
Minerva is passionate about hygiene and strives to ensure that patients always feel 100% informed and comfortable during their visit to help them overcome their dental fears. She strives to provide the highest standard of care for her patients including modern laser technology.
Minerva grew up in Chicago and moved to Las Vegas after graduating in 2007. In her spare time loves to travel, go hiking, but most of all spend time with her son and daughter.
Bio coming soon
Dr. “Jonathan” Minyong Pak was born in Seoul, Korea and came to America as a 5 year old child in 1974.
He was raised and educated in Southern California. He graduated from La Salle High School in Pasadena, CA. It’s a Christian Brothers preparatory school that is actively involved in fostering leadership, and encouraging civic involvement in the community. He was involved in campus ministry, while attending the school, and participated in community events such as the Tournament of Roses and Boy’s State.
Jonathan received his bachelor of science in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine. While attending there in his junior year, he decided to pursue a dental career, after volunteering at the “SOS” (Share Our Selves) Dental clinic in Costa Mesa. He received his doctorate of dental surgery from UCLA School of Dentistry in 1996. Jonathan went through extensive training in esthetic dentistry while there. He still enjoys designing and crafting a beautiful smile to this day.
Jonathan is licensed to practice in AZ, NV, and CA. He’s been a member of the American Dental Association since graduation. He’s had dental offices over the years in San Francisco, Reno and Las Vegas. Dr. Pak is certified to provide “Invisalign” treatment, laser treatments, and is trained to place implants.
Jonathan lives in Clark County, NV with his wife and 4 chihuahuas. He and his beautiful bride love to travel. Their favorite spot on earth is Lahaina, HI. Mahalo.
A native to Las Vegas, Dr. Glenn Justice received his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He then obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Justice’s goal is to help patients reach the highest level of oral health possible so they may enjoy the benefits of a functional, attractive smile.
After completing dental school, Dr. Justice passed the National Written Boards and the Central Regional Dental Testing Board. Dr. Justice practiced as an Associate Dentist in Wisconsin, before moving back to Las Vegas where he worked as a dentist on staff for the College of Southern Nevada. He then moved to Colorado to further develop his craft, making him a licensed DDS in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Nevada.
After a few years as an Associate Dentist in Colorado, Dr. Justice came back to Las Vegas where he has been practicing dentistry for 15 years. He was a member of the Southern Nevada Dental Society Peer Review Committee, where he also served as the committee’s Chairman. He was also on the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners as a Disciplinary Screening Officer. Dr. Justice obtained training and certification in Dental Implant placement from California Academy of Implant Dentistry, certification in implant training from the Midwest Implant Institute, and has completed multiple courses in Advanced Restorative Dentistry from Frank Spears.
Dr. Justice’s goal is to help patients reach the highest level of oral health possible so they may enjoy the benefits of a functional, attractive smile. He takes pride in making dental visits a pleasant experience and makes sure that each of his patients leaves his office in a better state than when they first walked in. Dr. Justice shows genuine concern for his patients’ well being and prides himself in treating each of his patients as he would a member of his own family.
When he is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Justice enjoys playing baseball, softball, hiking, camping, rappelling and rock climbing, wood working, and spending time with his kids.
Victoria, known as Vicki by most, is originally from the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. She graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee WI with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. After working in Highland Park, IL for 10 years, she moved to Las Vegas, where she worked in a private practice for 14 years before joining Dr Ting at Boston Dental in 2006.
As a veteran in her field and through countless hours of continuing education, Vicki’s passion for Dentistry helps her strive to provide the highest standard of care for her patients using modern, state- of-the-art technology including ultrasonics, lasers, and Oral DNA testing. Her extensive experience, exceptional skill level, friendly personality, and gentle, caring touch keep her patients returning to her year after year.
Vicki has two young adult daughters and when not taking care of patients, enjoys traveling, cycling, and spending time with friends.
Bio Coming Soon
A Nevada native, Dr. Rosales was born and raised in Las Vegas. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he received both his undergraduate degree in biology and his degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dr. Rosales’s passions include cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery but is very skilled in all aspects of dentistry.
Dr. Rosales remains up-to-date in the latest technologies and advancements in the field and utilizes laser treatment in his office, as well as Invisalign, an alternative to conventional braces.
Certification/Professional Memberships
As a patient of Dr. David Chung, you will not only receive the best care but you will love his chair-side manner and soft touch. Dr. Chung has been practicing dentistry in Las Vegas since 2002. He received his degree from New York University College of Dentistry. His passion for dentistry and learning has led him to many years of advanced training in cosmetic and implant dentistry.
Dr. Chung and his staff strives to provide the highest quality dentistry for his patients. Improving oral health and creating beautiful smiles. Our state of the art dental office is equipped with the latest technologies including E4D that allows for fabrication and delivery of crowns on the same day.
In his leisure time, he enjoys basketball, movies, and cooking. With a camera in tow, his adventurous spirit has taken him to many exotic places. His travel photography is showcased around the office.
Certification:
Kristen was born in Edwards Air Force Base located in California, where her mother was a Crew Chief for the United States Airforce. When she was six years old, Kristen and her family relocated to Laughlin, Nevada where she graduated high school. She then pursued dental hygiene at Mohave Community College and obtained her degree in 2014. She later joined BDG at Affordable Dental II and has been working with the company since then.
When she isn’t working or attending conferences, you can find her wandering through the antique stores tucked away in the corners of Las Vegas. She has a love for old Victorian houses, classic films, a passion for sharks, and has included England in her travels, as well. Kristen enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her beloved eleven-year-old Chihuahua, Ivory who enjoys naps, cuddling, and Kristen of course.
Dr. Tiburcio attended the University of California at Riverside where he received his undergraduate degree in biology. He then spent the following two years as a chemist before deciding to pursue Dentistry. Dr. Tiburcio received his doctorate from New York University College of Dentistry in 2007.
Dr. Tiburcio is dedicated to advance, postdoctoral study and provides his patients with a gentle, caring, comprehensive approach to oral health. He believes in providing state of the art, relationship-based, comprehensive care that is tailored to fit into the lives and budgets of his patients.
In his free time, Dr. Tiburcio likes to spend time with his lovely wife and three children.
Dr. Hossain is a dedicated and talented general dentist with a passion for pediatric dentistry. He strives to provide gentle and personalized preventive care (and when necessary restorative treatments) to young patients using specifically tailored behavior management techniques, making each visit to the dentist a positive and comfortable experience.
Although Dr. Hossain now calls Las Vegas home, he was born in Bangladesh and grew up travelling around the globe as the child of a diplomat! He moved to Los Angeles, California to earn his bachelor’s degree at UCLA, completed a masters degree in Global Medicine at their rival USC and was awarded his Doctorate degree in Dentistry with high honors from USC’s famous Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
At our clinic, Dr Hossain and his team create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. With a focus on education and prevention, he empowers families to maintain optimal oral health and instill lifelong dental habits.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Hossain enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying different cuisines, and traveling.
Dr. Vann grew up in the Chicago area where he went to school until he moved to Arizona to attend ASU. He graduated with a B.S. in1972 . After holding down several various jobs which let him less than inspired, he decided to go back to school and become a dentist.. While working during the day, he went to ASU at night to pick up the pre-dental courses he needed to apply to dental school. In 1976 he was accepted to USC and in 1980 he graduated with a D.D.S. degree.
Dr. Vann is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive and affordable dentistry to his patients. Utilizing his 40+ years of practicing dentistry, aids his patients in obtaining the best possible outcomes for his patients.
In his free time, Dr. Vann likes to paint. He also likes to go on road trips to explore different parts of the Southwest that he’s never been to.
Bio Coming Soon
Coming Soon!
Dr. Darlene Teddy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Pacific Union College before completing her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University. She has a special interest in restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry and is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care to each of her patients.
She understands that visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety for many people, and she takes extra care to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and at ease. By combining clinical excellence with compassion, she builds trust with her patients and ensures they feel supported every step of the way.
Bilingual in English and basic Mandarin, Dr. Teddy enjoys connecting with a diverse patient community. Outside of the office, she is a proud wife and mother of two, and shares her home with two beloved dogs—a Chow Chow and a Mini Australian Shepherd. She enjoys traveling, sewing, and finds great fulfillment in the hands-on, detail-oriented nature of dentistry. For Dr. Teddy, the greatest reward is seeing her patients smile with confidence.
Bio Coming Soon
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Phui was born in Reno and was raised in Las Vegas. He earned his undergraduate degree as a Biology Major at UNLV. Before pursuing dentistry, he obtained his Masters degree in Biochemistry. Dr. Phui didn’t have to travel very far for his DMD degree, which he obtained at UNLV School of Dental Medicine.
Whether you need a routine dental care, cosmetic, Invisalign or Implant dentistry, he can fit your every need. Dr. Phui truly believes that communication is very important when trying to establish exactly what the patient is trying to achieve. In order to keep up with the high demand of dentistry, Dr Phui enjoys taking continue education courses.
Dr Phui is married to his high school sweetheart, they have a boy and a girl together. He and his wife enjoy their weekend tradition of cooking breakfast and taking the kids to the park. His hobbies include bowling, playing cards with his family, and eating.
Steve Roe is a military veteran serving with the United States Air Force. He continued serving the community in the health care field pursuing dental education at the College of Southern Nevada, UNLV, and The Ohio State University. Attaining licensure as a registered dental hygienist in 2004. Steve has 20 years of experience. He is dedicated to achieving exceptional results in patient health. Working in conjunction with the dental team for comprehensive care. Focusing on prevention Steve uses gentle and thorough technique in treatment to achieve optimal health. Additionally, teaching patient education to help develop good life long habits to support and maintain dental health.
In his free time Steve enjoys: time with family, race cars, motorcycles, sports, and writing/illustrating.
Dr. Louis Tran, DDS, is a dedicated practitioner specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in Las Vegas, NV. With a passion for creating beautiful, healthy smiles, Dr. Tran is committed to providing exceptional care to his patients. His expertise in the field allows him to address a wide range of orthodontic needs, from traditional braces to the latest in orthodontic technology.
Dr. Tran graduated from the New York-Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1998 with his dental degree, then received his orthodontic certificate in 2001 and has been practicing orthodontics since. He has been the primary orthodontist with BDG since 2009 and has helped thousands of patients achieve beautiful new smiles. He is also a certified Invisalign orthodontist, offering clear aligner therapy to patients seeking a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
His patient-centered approach ensures that each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique dental needs. He stays current with the latest advancements in orthodontics, including iTero intraoral scanning and smile makeovers, through continuous education and professional development.
When he’s not transforming smiles, Dr. Tran enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors. His dedication to his practice and his patients makes him one of the top trusted and respected orthodontist in the Vegas Valley area.
Dr. Monica Ponce has devoted her 27-year career to educating and treating her patients with gentle and minimally invasive dental care. She received her Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University with a minor in Philosophy. As a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Dr. Ponce is extremely proficient in the field of dental sciences. She continues to stay current with the latest technology and research on the safest dental methods and materials available. Her gentle approach and focus on comfort in a pleasant environment are delivered as an integral part of your visit.
Dr. Monica Ponce is very passionate about dentistry and providing the best treatments to her patients. She is a firm believer that everyone can obtain a healthy and beautiful smile. With the proper treatment options available today, she is able to obtain the best dental results helping patients boost self-esteem and confidence. She practices all phases of dentistry and offers IV sedation, general anesthesia, and treats special needs patients.
