What is the Reason for Jaw Pain?
Intense jaw pain can make it increasingly difficult to complete routine daily tasks. Tasks which may include eating or speaking can result in a great deal of pain. The pain can be distracting and even make it difficult for patients to focus. Jaw pain can be so intense that it can make it hard for a patient to open their mouth. This terrible pain can move into other areas of the face and head. It may result in a headache.
Virtually everything in and around the mouth is connected. There are numerous different things which cause jaw pain. Surprisingly, the cause may not even be associated with the jaw itself. One common cause of jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ can occur as a result of trauma, teeth grinding/bruxism, arthritis, and can also simply be a genetic tendency. Other common causes associated with jaw pain are listed below:
1. High stress or anxiety
2. Poor jaw or teeth alignment
3. Tumors and cysts
4. Heart attack
5. Infection
6. Impacted wisdom teeth
Symptoms
Pain in or around the jaw is the most obvious symptom associated with jaw pain. In most cases, minor jaw pain will fade not be concerning. Throbbing pain which persists for a few days could be serious and the patient should contact their dentist right away.
The location of the jaw pain may differ depending on the cause. The pain in the jaw may exist on one side of the face or could exist on both sides. It is common for jaw pain to be localized following a tooth extraction. Tooth decay and impacted wisdom teeth can also result in jaw pain.
It is possible for jaw pain to spread to the ears and result in inflammation. The pain can also spread down the neck. Inflammation of the neck and face can a simple task such as turning the head increasingly uncomfortable.
A jaw which pops or clicks can suggest the patient has TMJ disorder. Other symptoms associated with TMJ include pain which is present near where the jawbone connects to the skull, below the cheekbone, and near the temples. If a patient has persistent jaw pain, they should follow up with their dentist to determine the specific cause. Some of the additional symptoms which can occur with jaw pain are listed below:
1. Difficulty in chewing, eating, or talking
2. Face swelling, earaches, or headaches
3. Fever
4. Locked jaw
5. Swollen lymph nodes
Treatment
Sometimes jaw pain will resolves itself through time and rest. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen can also be used to alleviate minor jaw pain. Chronic or stress-induced jaw pain may be improved through calming techniques and stress reduction. Limiting the consumption of caffeine can also aid in managing high levels of stress. Jaw pain which is sudden or the result of an injury may improve through the use of a warm, moist towel, and ice.
Patients who experience jaw pain lasting more than two days should contact their dentist as it could indicate the presence of a serious issue. Dentists can identify the cause of the pain and develop a treatment plan.