Heart disease and jaw pain. Are they related?

We've all read about the signs of a heart attack over the internet and in hospitals. However, apart from the obvious symptoms, what if there were warning signs that could alert us ahead of time that we may be in trouble? Fortunately, there are certain symptoms that may indicate towards a possible heart problem. Doctors have done ample research in looking at symptoms and signs experienced by patients for months or even years that may lead to a heart attack.

The relation Between the Human Jaw and Heart attacks:

There can be several dental reasons that might make your jaw hurt. Some of the most common comprise of misaligned teeth, TM joint disorders, and grinding habits. Infections and toothaches can also lead to jaw pain.

But apart from the obvious connection, your jaw is also connected to several other parts of your body. Consequently, pain in this area can at times be a sign of problems that are beyond the sphere of dentistry – heart attack, for example. When this is actually the case, the jaw pain will normally be accompanied by several other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and the like.

Description of the Symptoms and Pain:

The pain will normally remain on the left hand side, and stay confined to the lower jaw and molars. Lower jaw pain can also indicate towards other disorders such as cancer, TMJ disorders or gum issues. Upper jaw pain is normally not a heart problem, but can be a gum issue, sinus or cancer. The best way to deal with it is to seek emergency medical care especially if the pain is accompanied by other signs and symptoms of a heart attack. On the other hand, if you’re having oral or jaw conditions not linked with symptoms of a heart attack, you must seek care from a dental expert to decide the basis of your discomfort.

List of Signs that indicate towards calling a doctor:

It is very common for people who have an attack to report panic or anxiety, or a general uneasiness. In case you’re having such feelings with your jaw pain, or in case your jaw pain begins suddenly or is accompanied with any of the below mentioned symptoms, call 911 immediately:

• Stomach pain that might include feeling of throwing up
• Uneasiness in the chest, such as squeezing, pain, or a feeling of heaviness
• Sweaty, pale, clammy or cold skin
• Feeling as though you can’t catch up with your breath
• Discomfort or pain spreading from the neck, chest, or jaw to the shoulders or back
• Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint
• Feeling tired
• Breaking out in sweat

Unlike the pain caused by TMJ disorder, ear infection or tooth pain, jaw pain due to a heart problem doesn't feel like it is in one specific spot but rather it radiates outward in a specific line. The pain might also extend to the arm and shoulder -- specifically on the left hand side, and remedies like ice, heat and massage don't affect it.

Every minute counts when you’re having a heart attack because without immediate treatment, a heart attack can get fatal or can cause serious damage to the cardiovascular system. You will get the quickest treatment and diagnosis of your pain by calling 911. This is due to the fact that the emergency personnel will initiate the treatment from the pickup point itself. As a safety measure, all medics will treat you as though you are having an attack till all tests have been performed. This will ensure complete safety.

Are you brushing your teeth right?

Tooth brushing is a habit few people think twice about. However, if you get sloppy with it, you may end up developing gum diseases and cavities. Proper tooth brushing takes minimum of two minutes. Moreover, to properly brush the teeth, make use of gentle, short strokes, paying attention to the areas around crowns, and gum line. Here are a few mistakes people make when brushing:

Mistake 1: Wrong brush:

It is important to pick a toothbrush that matches the size of your mouth. If you’re struggling to open your mouth wide to let the device in then probably your brush is too big. The handle must also be comfortable so that you can use it properly and for the required duration of time.

Mistake 2: The Bristles:

Some toothbrushes come with straight bristles while others have angled bristles. Both types are fine but what’s important to consider is avoiding stiff bristles that tend to aggravate the gums. Basically, the brush must be sturdy enough to get rid of the plaque but not inflexible to damage the mouth when used properly. It is also good to avoid "natural" bristles such as the ones made out of animal hair.

Mistake 3: Duration of Brushing:

When people don’t brush for longer durations of time, bacterial plaque tends to build up, increasing the risk of inflammation and other related problems. Brushing must last for at least two minutes and must be performed two to three times a day.

The best technique to use while brushing is to divide the mouth into several quadrants and spending thirty seconds on every quadrant.

Mistake 4: Brushing too hard:

It is ideal to brush the teeth at least thrice a day. Excessive brushing can expose the tooth root irritation, and that can end up irritating the gums. Brushing forcefully can also wear away tooth enamel. The best technique is to brush gently for a couple of minutes.

When should you brush your teeth?

Brushing your teeth in the morning before breakfast and at night before going to bed is recommended. Never brush right after a meal as it can damage the teeth, particularly if you've consumed citric fruits, wine, fizzy drinks, or foods that contain acid.

The fact is that acid softens tooth enamel and can be abraded by brushing. Instead, make sure you stay without brushing so that the acid is naturally neutralized inside the mouth.

What Toothpaste to Use:

Toothpaste comprises of certain cleaning agents that help in removing plaque from the teeth, keeping them healthy and clean. A lot of toothpastes also comprise of fluoride that assists in preventing and controlling cavities. It’s extremely important to make use of pastes that have the right quantity of fluoride. Go through the packaging to find out the amount of fluoride every brand contains.

• For infants till the age of three: make use of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
• For children up to the age of three to six: make use of toothpaste comprising 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.
• For adults: make use of toothpaste that has at least 1,450ppm fluoride.

It is also good to use a mouthwash that can really help in preventing tooth decay and assist in getting rid of any bacteria or food that might have been missed by the brush. However, never use mouthwash right after brushing the teeth. Choose some other time, like after lunch. And never drink or eat for half an hour after using a mouthwash.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are a bunch of common mistakes that several people make night and day that can injure teeth and turn a good smile upside-down. It’s important to break bad habits and its best to start by brushing right.