What is the Reason for Jaw Pain
Anyone suffering from jaw pain would likely agree that it can make everyday tasks much harder than they ordinarily would be. Things like eating and talking can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to focus on daily tasks. Jaw pain can make opening the mouth hard and can radiate to other areas of the face and head leading to headaches or earaches as well.
Causes of Jaw Pain
From the temporomandibular joint to the teeth, everything in and around the mouth is interconnected. As such, jaw pain can be caused by several reasons and might not be related to the jaw itself.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is one common and worrisome reason for jaw pain. This disorder can stem from genetics, arthritis, prolonged bruxism (grinding and clenching of the teeth), or trauma. Patients that suspect TMJ issues, should note any signs of clicking or popping where the joint connects below the cheekbone and temples. This can signify TMJ disorder and patients should consult their dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Jaw pain can also be caused by other factors including:
- Poor alignment of the teeth and jaw (malocclusion)
- Heavy chewing
- Dental infections
- Anxiety or stress
- Sinus infections
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Cysts or tumors
- Heart attacks
Jaw Pain Symptoms
One of the clearest symptoms of jaw pain is a persistent, throbbing pain in and around the area. Minor jaw discomfort, such as that caused by chewing something hard, will likely dissipate quickly and is not a major concern. However, when throbbing pain continues for more than a day or two, patients should consult a dentist regardless of whether the pain is sharp or dull.
The underlying cause of jaw pain can affect where the pain is experienced. It can be localized to the right or left side of the face. For example, if a person has a tooth extracted because of decay or impacted wisdom teeth, they may experience localized jaw pain on the corresponding side of their face.
In some cases, jaw pain may spread up to the ears causing inflammation and further discomfort. And some may have jaw pain that spreads down to the neck. Inflammation in this area, can make simple actions like turning the head painful.
Other symptoms that commonly accompany jaw discomfort include:
- Trouble eating, chewing, or talking
- Jaw “locks” closed or open
- Facial swelling, headaches, and earaches
- Lymph node swelling
- Fever
Treating Jaw Pain
In some cases, jaw pain will go away on its own with some time and rest. When jaw pain first begins, and is not too severe, patients may be able to use anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen, to alleviate the discomfort.
In cases where jaw pain is chronic and caused by stress, calming techniques like meditation, yoga, or removing major stressors from their life, can help patients reduce their jaw discomfort. Tension can also be removed by limiting the intake of caffeine or other stimulants.
Should jaw pain be sudden, such as from an accident or injury, patients may find relief by applying cold or hot compresses to the affected area. While these home remedies may provide temporary relief, it is important to consult a dentist as soon as possible for severe jaw pain.