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What is Causing Your Difficulty Chewing?


Posted on 10/1/2024 by Sunnyside Dentistry
Black woman smiling after dental appointment at Sunnyside Dentistry in Clackamas, ORHave you been experiencing difficulty chewing? Pain while eating? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with chewing problems at some point in their lives. But what causes these issues, and what can you do about them?

First, let's consider what "difficulty chewing" actually means. It can encompass a wide range of problems, including:

•  Pain: This is the most common symptom, and it can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain.
•  Limited range of motion: Difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to chew properly.
•  Chewing fatigue: Your muscles tire quickly when chewing, making it difficult to finish a meal.
•  Difficulty breaking down food: Food feels tough or difficult to swallow.

These problems can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to enjoy meals and potentially leading to malnutrition.

So, what causes difficulty chewing?


There are many potential culprits, including:

•  Dental problems: Cavities, loose fillings, broken teeth, and gum disease can all make chewing painful and difficult.
•  Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: These involve problems with the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, causing pain, clicking, and difficulty opening your mouth wide.
•  Muscle problems: Tight or inflamed muscles in the jaw can also make chewing difficult.
•  Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, can also cause jaw pain and chewing problems.

What can you do about difficulty chewing?


The first step is to see your dentist for a thorough examination. They will be able to identify the cause of your problem and recommend the best course of treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment options may include:

•  Oral care: If your problem is caused by dental problems like cavities or gum disease, your dentist will recommend treatment to restore your oral health.
•  Restoration dentistry: This may involve fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures to replace missing or damaged teeth, making chewing easier and more comfortable.
•  TMJ treatment: If your problem is due to a TMJ disorder, your dentist may recommend a variety of treatments, including physical therapy, medications, or even surgery.
•  Muscle relaxation techniques: Your dentist may recommend exercises or other techniques to help relax the muscles in your jaw.

In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can also help, such as eating softer foods, cutting your food into smaller pieces, and avoiding chewing gum.

Don't ignore difficulty chewing


If you're having trouble chewing, don't ignore it. See your dentist as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and start treatment. Early intervention can help prevent your problem from worsening and improve your overall quality of life.

Get in Touch!


PHONE
(503) 451-5104

EMAIL
office@hikadedental.com

LOCATION
14210 SE Sunnyside Rd Ste 200
Clackamas, OR 97015-5240


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Dental Blog | Sunnyside Dentistry | Clackamas, OR dentist
Dick Hikade, DDS at Sunnyside Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about dental concerns.
Sunnyside Dentistry, 14210 SE Sunnyside Rd, Suite 200, Clackamas, OR 97015 | (503) 451-5104 | sunnysidedentistry.com | 2/12/2025 | Key Phrases: dentist Clackamas OR |