Did you know the average strength of a human jaw can produce a bite of 162 pounds per square inch (psi)? This is enough to scratch pure iron, but it’s nothing compared to the power of some bites in the animal kingdom. The strongest bite on Earth belongs to the Nile crocodile of sub-Saharan Africa, at 5,000 psi. You definitely don’t want to get on this croc’s bad side.
Our jaw is designed to help us bite and tear food, but some meals are a little tougher on your jaw than others. Some of the most difficult foods to eat, in terms of jaw pressure, are things like nuts (especially walnuts), popcorn (due to the kernels), and raw fruits or vegetables, which put extra pressure on the incisors. Even softer foods can wear out your jaw. Welldone steak and caramel candy require extra chewing, and therefore extra jaw pressure.
Eating a lot of food that’s hard on your jaw can lead to pain, but if you experience chronic jaw pain, it might not be caused by your diet. Jaw pain can be brought on by a number of problems, including the following:
A lot of people grind their teeth due to stress, but you can also grind your teeth in your sleep without realizing it. Grinding in your sleep is often a sign of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.
If you fail to get a cavity treated right away, the damage can work its way beneath your enamel and down the pulp of your tooth. Most people with major cavities aren’t able to determine which tooth is the problem because the pain radiates throughout their jaw.
If your teeth aren’t lined up right, you can end up with an overbite or an underbite. A bad bite can get in the way of your ability to chew, wearing out your jaw muscles and leading to pain.
A lot of the time, your dentist can help you determine the cause of your jaw pain. If you suffer from an aching jaw, be sure to mention it during your next appointment. We’d be happy to help you find the reason and the solution for your pain.