Dental caries (tooth/teeth cavities) afflicts most of us at some point  in life and is the second most common condition in humans after the common cold and flu. A tooth cavity is the gradual breakdown of the tooth structure due to microbial growth. Erosion of the outer lining of the tooth (enamel) is followed by the destruction of  the inner layer (dentin).

A tooth cavity occurs as a result of a combination of factors.

• Food particles get trapped on and between the teeth after eating.
• Along with mucus, dead epithelial cells (from the mouth lining) and bacteria, a thin soft film, known as plaque coats the teeth.
• This provides the ideal medium for oral bacteria to feed upon food debris.
• Bacteria like Mutans streptococci and related groups, break down food particles and produce lactic acid as a byproduct. It is this lactic acid that is responsible for eroding tooth enamel and causing tooth cavities.

continue reading Dental Caries (Teeth Cavities) Cause Toothache and Jaw Pain

Clicking jaw, also referred to as popping jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome/dysfunction is a symptom associated with inflammation of the temporomandibular joint or uncoordinated action of the facial muscles.

Place your cursor over selected (red outlined) areas for a further explanation of the diagram.

The mandible (lower jaw) is the movable section of the skull that articulates (movement at the joint) with the temporal bones of the skull at the tempromandibular joint (temporal – mandible). The maxilla (upper jaw) is fixed to the skull and both the upper and lower jaws work together to assist with biting, chewing and eating. Under certain conditions, the tempromandibular joint (TMJ) articulation is affected often leading to a range of symptoms like jaw pain, clicking jaw (audible), popping  jaw (sensation) and headaches. These symptoms are most often caused by inflammation of the joint although the main muscles of chewing can also cause the abovementioned joint symptoms.

continue reading Clicking Jaw, Jaw Pain & TMJ Dysfunction – Symptoms, Treatment