Jaw pain: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is jaw pain?

Jaw pain is pain and tenderness that is felt in the jaw and face. Jaw pain, which sometimes radiates to other areas of the face, is a common problem.

These conditions can develop due to infections, sinuses, toothache, problems with blood vessels or nerves, or other conditions.

Most jaw pain is the result temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD).

In most cases, jaw pain doesn't require immediate medical attention, but sometimes, it's a sign of a more serious condition. Many factors can cause this condition, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat it.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of jaw pain?

Reporting from Medical News Today, the specific symptoms of jaw pain really depend on the cause. But in general, signs and symptoms of jaw pain can include:

• Pain or sensitivity in the jaw
• Pain in the inside and around the ear
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort when chewing
• Pain when biting
• Headache
• The joints are locked, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
• Vertigo
• Tooth ache
• Fever
• Swollen face

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical help immediately if you have persistent pain or sensitivity in your jaw, or if you can't close or open your jaw completely.

Your doctor or dentist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem.

Cause

What are the causes of jaw pain?

Quoted from Healthline, most jaw pain occurs due to abnormal conditions or injuries to your jaw muscles. However, jaw pain can also be caused by other conditions.

Here are various conditions that may cause jaw pain:

1. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD) or TMJ is the most common cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint on each side of your jaw.

Several things can cause jaw pain due to TMD. You may have TMD due to several causes at the same time. Causes of TMD include:

• Pain from the muscles that control movement of the jaw
• Injury to the jaw joint
• Excessive activity of the jaw joint
• Installation of discs that aid in jaw movement
• The protective disc covering the jaw joint develops arthritis.

Damage to the muscles or joints that control the movement of your jaw can be caused by several factors, including:

• Move your teeth at night
• Unintentionally clench your jaw due to stress or anxiety
• Trauma to the jaw joint, such as being hit in the face while exercising.

2. Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches usually cause pain in the back or around one of your eyes, but the pain can radiate to your jaw. Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches.

3. Sinus problems

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located close to the jaw joints. If the sinuses become infected with germs, such as viruses or bacteria, the result can be excess mucus. This can put pressure on the jaw joint, causing pain or tenderness.

4. Toothache

Sometimes, a severe tooth infection known as a tooth abscess can cause pain up to the jaw.

5. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition most commonly caused by compression of the nerve on the trigeminal nerve. This condition provides a painful sensation to most of the face, including the upper and lower jaw.

6. Heart attack

A heart attack can cause pain in other parts of your body, apart from your chest, namely your arms, back, neck and jaw. Women usually tend to feel left jaw pain on their face when having a heart attack.

Seek emergency help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chest discomfort
• Respiratory disorders
• Sweating
• Gag
• Want to pass out

7. Other conditions

Other conditions that can also cause jaw pain are:

• Salivary gland disorders
• Stress, fatigue and lack of sleep
• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Fibromyalgia
• Inflammation of the mucous membrane
• Ear infection
• Several mental health conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

How do doctors diagnose jaw pain?

Your doctor or dentist will ask you about your jaw pain symptoms and test them. The doctor will also:

• Listen and feel your jaw as you open and close your mouth
• Check how far your jaw moves
• Press the location around your jaw to determine pain or discomfort.

If your doctor suspects a problem, you may need:

• Dental X-rays to test your teeth and jaw
• CT scan to show more detailed images of the bones and jaw joints
• MRI to find out problems that may occur in the grip of the jaw joint or surrounding tissue.

What medications can treat jaw pain?

Becoming more aware of habits that involve facial tension, such as jaw tensioning, grinding your teeth, or biting a pencil, can help reduce the frequency of pain.

The following are treatment options for treating jaw pain:

• Avoiding excessive use of the jaw muscles. Eat soft foods. Cut food into small pieces. Avoid sticky and chewy foods. Avoid chewing gum.
• Your doctor, dentist, or therapist can show you how to do exercises that stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles and how to massage your muscles.
• Applying warm, moist heat or ice to the side of your face can relieve pain.

Prevention

How can I prevent jaw pain?

If you are prone to bouts of pain in your jaw, avoid chewing gum or biting into objects, such as buckles or nails. Avoid foods that are hard or chewy. When you yawn, hold your lower jaw with your hands.

Visit the dentist if you are grinding your teeth at night or grinding your jaw. The dentist can make a splint for you.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.