Tannins are plant compounds that have a variety of properties, some of which are beneficial and others that cause problems. Tannins can make red and black teas awkward and bitter, which can affect your salivary glands and cause jaw pain. On the other hand, tannins exhibit mild anti-inflammatory properties that can rapidly reduce bleeding, which helps treat dental trauma, a common cause of jaw pain. If you experience unexplained jaw pain for more than a few days, talk to your doctor or dentist.
Temporary jaw pain can be induced by eating a tannin-rich drink or food. (Source: İsmailÇiydem/iStock / Getty Images) Tanning
Tannins are usually found in immature fruits, grapes and tea. Plants use tannic acid in tannins to regulate growth and prevent predation by animals and insects. The astringency of tannic acid is the reason for the dryness and wrinkling of red wine, black tea or immature fruit juice. As the fruit and wine age, tannins break down, reducing bitterness and astringency. According to "Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews", tannins have medicinal value because of their mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tannins also cause vasoconstriction, which helps to heal the wound.
Tannins as a cause of mandibular pain
The bitterness and astringency of tannins cause salivary secretions to rapidly increase glands, according to "Principles and Practices of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbs". The main salivary glands in the mouth are the parotid gland, the submandibular gland and the sublingual gland. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland, which is directly located on the joint of the jaw, also known as the temporomandibular joint. Sudden stimulation of the parotid gland, whether by ingesting tannins or by applying cold, can result in a feeling of pain and contraction or paralysis of the jaw muscles. Mandibular pain caused by tannin consumption is usually mild to moderate and short duration. A similar phenomenon can occur with fresh, unsweetened lemon juice.
Tannins of jaw pain
A common cause of mandibular pain is tooth trauma, whether accidental or due to dental surgery. tearCracking, inflammation and infection are common consequences of dental trauma, and you can apply tannin-rich compounds. For bleeding, inflammation and pain in the mouth, the use of herbal tea bags helps to shrink blood vessels due to tannic acid and exhibits mild anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Rich tannin sources
The best known sources of tannins are black tea and red wine. Natural apples, grapes, cranberries and pomegranate juice all contain large amounts of tannins. Tannic acid is sometimes added to juices and apple juice to produce more astringency. Other fruits that are particularly rich in tannins are persimmons and strawberries. Tannins are also found in beer, especially bitter varieties.
