Jaw Pain

Often when people have jaw pain, they believe it is TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder). While TMD does cause a number of jaw problems, it may not be the cause of pain. Jaw pain can be indicative of numerous health issues and if pain lasts more than 24 hours or is severe, patients should be examined by a professional as soon as possible. Regardless, jaw pain should not be ignored and patients may want to seek treatment before the condition grows into something more serious.

This article will examine some of the more common causes of jaw pain.

Teeth Clenching or Grinding

Often occurring subconsciously while asleep, clenching or grinding the teeth can put excessive pressure on the jaw and lead to pain. Other muscles around the jaw can also be affected by grinding leading to further discomfort. The primary methods of treating clenching are behavior modifications (de-stress techniques) and using nightguards (mouthguards worn while sleeping designed to protect the teeth and gums from excess force). Discuss with your dentist to determine the best course of treatment.

Misaligned Bite and Overuse

If the teeth are not properly aligned in the mouth, jaw pain can develop as a result of the misalignment. Known as your bite pattern, misalignment can cause uneven tooth wear and jaw discomfort. Most cases of misalignment can be corrected with braces or other devices designed to reshape the bite area and improve comfort.

While some may joke about overusing their jaw, overuse can be a very serious medical issue. For example, people that regularly chew gum for long periods of time can damage their jaws and develop constant pain. Be it the chewing motion or the length of time the jaw is working, giving the jaw a break is often the primary solution.

Jaw Pain Related to Infections

Different infections can also lead to jaw pain or discomfort. Sinus infections, for example, can lead to jaw pain due to the swelling and pressure in the sinus cavity affecting the jaw. Ear infections can also contribute to jaw pain because of their proximity to each other. When the ear tubes behind the jaw get infected, soreness, swelling, and discomfort in the jaw area can develop.

Oral infections, such as an infected or abscessed tooth, are the primary causes of jaw pain. When the gums or a tooth gets infected, the infection can quickly spread to the jaw leading to pain. Abscesses are serious conditions that left untreated, can lead to dangerous health conditions.

Joint Diseases

The jaw is a joint and like other joints in the body, it is susceptible to diseases like osteoarthritis. Consultation with a medical professional would be needed to determine if the jaw discomfort is due to arthritis.

Heart Conditions

In some cases, a constant, dull pain in the lower left side of the jaw can indicate heart issues. Similar to chest pains on the left side and arm, pain in the lower left jaw could signify heart issues and if accompanied by shortness of breath or chest/arm pain, should be immediately addressed with a doctor.

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