What is the Reason for Jaw Pain?
Patients who experience intense jaw pain may find it difficult to complete everyday routine tasks. These tasks may include speaking and eating, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. Pain can be so excruciating that it can even be difficult for patients to focus. In cases of intense pain, it can be challenging for patients to open their mouth. It is possible for the jaw pain to move into other areas of the head and face, which may result in headaches.
Everything throughout the mouth is connected. A variety of issues can result in jaw pain. The cause of the pain may surprisingly not even be associated with the jaw. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common cause for jaw pain. TMJ can be due to teeth grinding/bruxism, trauma, arthritis, or a genetic tendency for the patient. Some of the other common causes associated with jaw pain include:
- Anxiety and high levels of stress
- Cysts and tumors
- Heart attack
- Infection
- Poor teeth alignment or a misaligned jaw
- Wisdom teeth
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom affiliated with jaw pain is pain in or around the jaw. Minor jaw pain typically fades over time and is not cause for concern. Pain which is throbbing and persists over multiple days may be serious. In this case, patients should follow up their dentist as soon as possible.
Where the jaw pain is located can vary based on the underlying cause. Pain may exist on a single side of the face or on both sides. Jaw pain is commonly localized at the side of a tooth extraction immediately following the procedure. Additional causes for jaw pain include tooth decay and wisdom teeth which are impacted.
Jaw pain can spread to the ears and cause inflammation or redness. Pain can also travel down the neck. When inflammation is present in the neck and face, it be quite painful to complete a task as simple as turning the head.
Jaws that click or pop often suggest the presence of TMJ disorder. Additional symptoms affiliated with TMJ include pain near the location where the jawbone connects to the skull, pain under the cheekbone, and pain around the temples. Patients with persistent jaw pain should follow up with their dentist. The dentist can aid in identifying the cause and create a treatment plan. Additional symptoms that may occur along with jaw pain include:
- Challenges with eating, chewing, and talking
- Earaches, headaches, or face swelling
- Fever
- Locked jaw
- Lymph nodes which are swollen
Treatment
Jaw pain may resolve itself simply with rest over time. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can help alleviate minor pain and discomfort. Patients with chronic or stress-induced jaw pain may find relief through the use of stress reduction and calming techniques. Patients who are managing high levels of stress may also find it helpful to limit the amount of caffeine they consume. It may be helpful for patients to use a warm, moist towel, and ice when they experience sudden jaw pain from an injury or accident. Patients should only use at home treatments for temporary relief.
If a patient has jaw pain that lasts more than two days, they should follow up with their dentist to determine the cause and ensure it is properly treated. Ongoing jaw pain may indicate a more serious issue which requires intervention and treatment.