Jaw hurts? maybe one of these 7 is the cause

A sore jaw can affect your ability to eat and talk, even to laugh. Therefore, it is important to know what is the main cause of your jaw pain in order to find a way to treat it.

The most common cause of jaw pain

Quoted from American Dental Association, jaw pain or jaw pain is a common health problem, especially in adults. Symptoms of a sore jaw can include pain in the inside and around the ear, difficulty chewing food, pain when biting, and headaches.

Most jaw pain is caused by an abnormality or injury to your jaw joint, especially in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint. However, if TMJ disorders are not the main source, there are several other conditions that can cause pain in the jaw and the area around it.

1. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

The temporomandibular is a set of jaw joints and muscles that work to open and close the mouth when you chew, speak, or swallow. This joint also controls the lower jaw as it moves forward, backward and sideways. Disorders of these joints are known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Pain caused by disruption in the TMJ joint is usually triggered by the habit of grinding the teeth (bruxism) while sleeping or stress, arthritis, to impact trauma to the jaw, head, or neck. Pain can also be caused by injury to the jaw joint and repeated use.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders can include:

• Jaw pain
• Pain in the inside and around the ear
• Chewing difficulty or discomfort
• Facial pain
• Locking of the joints, making it difficult for the mouth to open and close

2. Dental problems

Various disorders in dental health in the form of gum disease, cavities (caries), gaps, damaged teeth, tooth distortion, and uneven teeth can also cause jaw pain. Even dental disease in the form of a tooth abscess, the pain can spread to the jaw, causing a disturbing pain sensation.

3. Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches. The pain caused by cluster headaches is usually persistent, strong, and not throbbing that feels deep in the head or around the eye on one side of the head. The pain often travels to the forehead, temples, and cheeks and radiates to the jaw.

4. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the sinus tissue near the jaw joint. The normal sinuses are covered with a thin layer of mucus that can trap dust, germs, or other particles from the air from getting into the airways.

When the sinuses become blocked, germs can grow and cause infection. Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The infected sinuses put pressure on the jaw joint and cause pain in the area.

5. Heart attack

A heart attack can also cause a painful sensation in the jaw. This pain is generally accompanied by pain in the upper body area, starting from the chest, arms, back, and radiating to the neck.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, jaw pain especially in women is a sign of a possible heart attack. Call the emergency number as soon as possible for medical assistance as soon as you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and feeling like you might pass out.

6. Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of the bones, bone marrow, and soft tissues around the bones. The bacteria enter the bones through the bloodstream after fractures, ulcers, skin damage, middle ear infections, pneumonia, or other infections.

Osteomyelitis occurs quickly and is very painful, or it occurs slowly and causes pain in small increments. Although rare, infection due to osteomyelitis can affect the jawbone and the area around it.

7. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia or facial pain is a condition in the trigeminal nerve near the temples that can cause pain in the jaw. Intense pain that is felt will be felt in a relatively short time in the jaw, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, and other parts of the face. However, this condition is rare.

How to treat sore jaw?

Minor cases of jaw pain generally only occur for a moment and will disappear on their own. Before making a visit to the doctor for further diagnosis, you can reduce the pain with light therapy and medicines that are available at home.

Here are some ways to treat jaw pain that you can do.

1. Rest the Jaw

The first step you can take to deal with jaw pain is to rest, including for your jaw. Avoid consuming chewing gum, hard foods, and foods with tough textures. If your jaw hurts, you should eat soft foods first, such as porridge, soup, or fruit juices.

In addition, you can also rest your jaw by avoiding biting your fingernails and other hard objects. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), consider using one mouthguard.

2. Use Cold / Hot Compress

The type of compress used depends on the sensation of pain you feel. If you find sharp pain in the jaw, you can use a cold compress with a towel soaked in ice water and apply to the affected area for 10 minutes. If needed, repeat this process every two hours.

Meanwhile, if the pain tends to be faint and occurs continuously, you can use a hot compress to increase blood flow around the jaw. Soak a towel in warm water and let it sit for about 20 minutes until the pain subsides.

3. Consumption of Pain Relief Medicines

If you are bothered by jaw pain that interferes with your daily activities, consider taking a pain reliever. For minor complaints, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. However, if this type of drug is not effective, you need a prescription drug according to the area of ​​pain and its severity.

4. Do a gentle massage

Gently massage around the sore jaw area can relieve tension and improve blood flow. Several times a day, you can do the steps below.

• Open your mouth slowly and run your index finger on the temporomandibular joint near the ear.
• Do a circular massage and apply a little pressure until the muscles relax and the pain in the jaw subsides.
• Give also massage on the side of the neck to relieve muscle tension which can also be a cause of jaw pain.
• Then close your mouth and repeat the process to taste.

5. Improve Sitting Position

Do you have any activity that requires prolonged sitting? Improving your sitting position while on the move can also help you prevent bothersome jaw pain. Try to sit in an upright position, because the bent sitting position can put tension on the neck and back which results in jaw pain.

If your jaw pain doesn't go away, consider consulting your doctor to find the right solution for your problem.