Diseases of the jaw bone can be caused by poor dental care, personal habits and medical conditions, and can cause serious complications, including intense pain and loss of teeth. Many diseases of the jaw bone are preventable or can be managed through lifestyle changes, the use of dental appliances, medications or surgery.
Abscess
An abscess of a tooth, which is also referred to as a periapical abscess or a dental abscess, can spread into the jaw bone and cause disease. Bacteria get into the tooth through decay, mouth injuries or a cracked or broken filling, and if left untreated, can spread through the tooth root into the upper or lower jawbone. Once the jaw bone becomes infected, the bacteria can spread into the blood stream and cause life-threatening complications, including brain abscess, blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Avascular Necrosis
People with avascular necrosis of the jaw bone might experience progressive pain as the bone and surrounding tissue dies because of the loss of blood supply. People who use steroid medications or abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of avascular necrosis, although the disease can occur in anyone. Avascular necrosis of the jaw causes symptoms including pain and loss of range of motion, and treatments include pain relief medication, electrical stimulation and surgery.
Bruxism
Bruxism, which is more commonly referred to as tooth grinding, is a disorder of the jaw bones that often happens at night while sleeping. People with bruxism might notice their jaws popping or clicking, bite marks inside their cheeks or on the tongue and have persistent facial pain. Dentists make a diagnosis of bruxism based on excessive wear on the back teeth or teeth that are cracked or chipped.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a blood infection that results from bacteria or fungi that get into the body after an injury. People with osteomyelitis of the jaw can develop symptoms such as jaw pain, swelling, redness, fever and nausea. People who abuse drugs, get hemodialysis treatments, are diabetic or have had their spleens removed are at a higher risk of getting osteomyelitis.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorders, usually referred to as TMJ, are a set of problems with the joint between the skull and lower jaw. People with TMJ develop symptoms such as jaw or facial pain, earaches, headaches and difficulty with eating, talking or moving their mouths. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who are female, have arthritis, a history of facial injuries or deformities of the skull, fibromyalgia or chronic stress have an increased risk of developing TMJ.
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