Jaw pain is, as the word suggests, pain in the jaws and jaw joints. But it can also be pain in the face and temples. Often, difficulties arise when chewing, swallowing, and yawning, and locking of the jaws is common.
For some, the problems have serious consequences for social life. Moreover, there are studies that show it is common to have follow-up diseases such as anxiety and depression, says Lars Fredriksson.
Every tenth adult suffers
Previous surveys have shown that at least every tenth adult suffers from jaw pain. Now, new figures from the Social Insurance Agency, compiled by the Public Dental Service, indicate that the number of patients with jaw pain has increased significantly in recent years. The figures show that the number of hard splints produced in Sweden has increased by approximately 20 percent over a ten-year period, to 53,000 in 2023.
According to Lars Fredriksson, a splint is the most common treatment method for jaw pain. Among those affected, middle-aged women are overrepresented, which is likely an explanation for why the problem is not more noticed, Fredriksson believes.
This is a disease that has very low prestige. It is common when it comes to diseases that primarily affect women and where there is no surgery or technical aids, he says.
Many causes
According to Lars Fredriksson, jaw pain is likely often due to overload. Many grind their teeth at night and may use their jaws during the day in a way they were not designed for, for example, by frenetically chewing gum. Jaw pain can also arise as a result of another disease.
How are patients with jaw pain treated?
Information and counseling are number one. Treatment can also consist of exercise and getting a splint. Even medication can be relevant. If you have problems with your mental health, you need to contact your primary care physician to get help in that area, says Lars Fredriksson.
A problem in this context is, according to Lars Fredriksson, that access to subsidized care is not fair.
When the pain happens to be around the jaw joint, you end up in a completely different economic system with lower subsidies. It becomes an obstacle to getting care, he says.
Maria Stensson/TT
Facts: When to seek care
TT
You often have pain in your temples, face, jaw joints, or jaws
It often hurts when you yawn or chew
You often have locking of the jaws or feel that your jaws are getting stuck
If the answer is yes to any question and if you have problems every week, you should consult your dentist.
Source: Public Dental Service
