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Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Only One Side? | Dr. Nicholas Brong While sleeping, you’re jolted awake by a sudden pain on only one side of your jaw. Although the situation can be alarming and confusing, don’t worry – it typically isn’t a cause of immediate concern. However, that doesn’t stop the questions from running through your head.

What does it mean? When should you see a dentist? How can you alleviate the discomfort? Luckily, we’ve got all the answers you’re searching for and more – just keep reading! There are several reasons why you may experience on one side, including: A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joint that connects your skull and jaw.

A disc separates the bones in this joint and helps it move properly. If it becomes misaligned or the joint is damaged, you might experience pain and other symptoms like tenderness, earaches, clicking or popping when opening your mouth, difficulty opening and closing your mouth.

In some cases, jaw pain on one side can indicate underlying oral health problems. Some common issues that cause jaw pain are cavities, an abscessed tooth, gum disease, tooth decay, growth of wisdom teeth, missing or crooked teeth, and clenching or grinding your teeth. Inflammation in your nasal cavities can cause sinusitis,

Since the nasal cavities are located behind the cheeks, inflammation can cause pain in one or both sides of your jaw. Usually, this pain is accompanied by other symptoms like nasal congestion, yellow or green mucus, facial swelling, fatigue, and difficulty smelling or tasting.

A persistent or recurring pain that doesn’t go away within a few daysDifficulty eating, drinking, swallowing, or breathingSwelling or a fever that doesn’t go awaySignificant pain that vanishes after a burst of salty liquid that tastes and smells unpleasant

Do you have mild pain in your jaw? You may not need medical treatment! Here are a few ways you can get relief:

Apply a hot or cold compress. Heat can help your muscles relax, giving you relief from aches and stiffness. Alternatively, a cold compress can numb the pain and reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relief. Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can temporarily relieve your pain. Rest your jaw as much as possible. Stick to a diet of soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. It’ll help you avoid overworking your jaw muscles! Massage your jaw. It can help release pain and tension in your jaw. Try some techniques on your own or visit a specialist for help (i.e., healthcare provider, physical therapist, massage therapist).

If you’re experiencing jaw pain on one side, use the tips outlined above for some relief. Although it should typically resolve on its own within a few days, you can always seek treatment from your dentist for peace of mind! About the Author Dr. Nicholas Brong is passionate about helping patient achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco. If you’re experiencing one-sided jaw pain, Dr. Brong and his team can help you get the prompt relief you deserve. To make an appointment, visit our or call (507) 288-1066, Comments Off on Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Only One Side? : Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Only One Side? | Dr.

Nicholas Brong

Why does my jaw hurt on one side when I open?

Overview – Many things may cause jaw pain, but temporomandibular joint disorder is the most common reason why your jaw hurts. Other common causes may include (top left) arthritis (top right) periodontal disease or( bottom row) infections like sinusitis or tetanus.

Why does my jaw hurt when I yawn on one side?

Why does my jaw hurt when I chew or yawn – One common cause is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The temporomandibular joint is what connects your jawbone to your skull. The pain you’re feeling might come from that joint and/or the surrounding muscles, which in turn can be caused by a jaw injury, arthritis or genetics.

• No matter how careful we are, many of us will have TMJ.
• Millions of people actually have TMJ but only a few of them get diagnosis or treatment.
• In most cases it’s tolerable and manageable but the pain and discomfort can distract you from your work, sleep, exercise and leisure.
• For example, you’re in an important gathering or business presentation and you don’t want the jaw pain to distract you.

It can also be a constant burden because in the back of your mind you know you have to do something about the pain. Here at Wellers Hill and Woolloongabba Physiotherapy we could do a proper diagnosis and design a tailored treatment for you. Dentists and ENT surgeons send their patients to us when it comes to TMJ.

Also, many patients now recognise how physiotherapy helps in effectively managing the pain and improving the range of motion of the joints. It starts with a thorough diagnosis to figure out the root cause. This thorough diagnosis also helps in designing a tailored treatment perfectly suited for the patient.

The treatment program may involve the following:

Soft tissue releases plus massage and trigger point therapy (for decreasing the tension in the jaw) Joint mobilisation to decrease pain Relaxation and active exercises Correction of the movement pattern Postural guidance for proper alignment

It’s an integrated approach because patients who experience jaw pain also often feel pain in their necks and lower backs (dizziness and ear blockages are also common). In addition, these patients may have been prone to stress or were involved in a vehicular accident.

They feel the pain and discomfort in different parts of their bodies. Perhaps the jaw pain is just one of the symptoms. You could have sleepless nights because of those worries. It’s crucial to face them head on so that you could focus again on your career or home living. It’s about being proactive and not waiting for the condition to get worse.

Also, it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind. if you require a thorough diagnosis and tailored treatment. We only use science-backed techniques and strategies in helping patients get back to an active and worry-free lifestyle. : Why Does My Jaw Hurt When I Chew or Yawn?

Does TMJ go away on its own?

Remember that for most people, discomfort from TMJ disorders will eventually go away on its own. Simple self-care practices are often effective in easing symptoms. If treatment is needed, it should be based on a reasonable diagnosis, be conservative and reversible, and be customized to your special needs.

Why does it hurt when I open my mouth wide?

Why does my jaw hurt – Nearly everyone suffers from an aching jaw at some point in their lives. The reasons for jaw pain vary from simple, easily treated situations to complex problems requiring an advanced treatment plan. Here are five causes of jaw pain. Dental problem – Jaw pain can spring from things like a (1) cavity, (2) cracked tooth, (3) infection, and (4) gum disease.

Don’t neglect to make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect that a dental problem is at the root of your aching jaw. Stress – Are you stressed with work and daily life? One of the sneaky ways that life’s weight shows itself is through a tense jaw. Too much jaw clenching and teeth grinding will undoubtedly result in an unhappy mouth.

Sinus – If you struggle with your sinuses, you’ve probably experienced the unique way that sinus pain and pressure masquerades as jaw pain. You can suspect a sinus issue if your jaw pain comes along with things like (1) dizziness, (2) post-nasal drip, and (3) forehead pressure.

1. Your doctor can help to determine if your jaw pain comes from a sinus issue.
2. Headache – Migraines and cluster headaches are notorious culprits behind an agonizing jaw.
3. In the case of a migraine, blood vessels and nerves combine to create intense discomfort.
4. If your jaw pain subsides as the problem eases, there is a decent chance that the migraine caused the jaw pain.

Check with your doctor if severe headaches persist. TMJ- One of the most common causes of jaw pain is, The temporomandibular joint works to connect the lower jaw to your skull. There are a host of reasons that TMJ can bring about a sharp pain whenever you open your mouth.

Tender jaw Painful chewing Difficulty opening jaw Clicking sound when opening jaw Pain around ears

Successful TMJ treatment often includes orthodontic assistance. Misaligned teeth and bites often cause jaw joint problems, so it Smiles for Life Orthodontics specializes in helping patients to overcome TMJ syndrome so that they can have a pain-free smile.

What triggers TMJ pain?

Causes include teeth grinding, jaw injuries, arthritis and everyday wear and tear. TMJ treatment varies from person to person and may include medication, physical therapy, custom mouth guards and jaw surgery.

Can TMJ get worse if not treated?

Can TMD cause long-term damage? – Yes. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and surrounding structures. This can lead to chronic pain, difficulty chewing, and other complications. It’s essential to seek treatment for TMD pain before it worsens.

Is TMJ damage permanent?

How Untreated TMJ Disorder Affects Your Physical Health – Signs of TMD include popping in the jaw, headaches, and jaw and neck pain. Treatment can alleviate these symptoms and prevent other health concerns that can compromise your quality of life, including:

Bruxism: Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching. In some cases, TMD causes bruxism, while in other instances it is the reverse. Regardless of which came first, the condition causes jaw stiffness, jaw pain, and potentially radiating discomfort in the head, neck, and upper back. Dental erosion : As bruxism worsens, patients will begin to suffer wear and tear to their teeth in the form of flattened chewing surfaces and small cracks. Headaches : Untreated TMD can trigger uncomfortable headaches, including migraines. Malnutrition : With worsening jaw pain, patients may alter their diet, avoiding hard or chewy foods. If the pain is severe enough, patients may restrict their diet to liquids and soft foods, which can lead to malnutrition in the long-term. Loss of jaw cartilage and bone mass : Without corrective measures, TMD can permanently damage the jaw. The cartilage that supports the joint can wear away, while the jawbone may erode. This causes painful friction in the jaw, and increases the chance for jaw dislocation. Hearing complications : Each of the jaw joints are located beneath your ears. Joint inflammation can then damage the auditory nerves connected to your ears, causing tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss. Altered facial appearance : When severe TMD is left untreated for an extended period of time, jawbone erosion can visibly change the proportions of your face.

Can TMJ be on one side only?

Is TMJ pain usually on one side? – Jaw pain on one side of your face is one of the most common symptoms of a TMJ dislocation. The temporomandibular joint is located at the ends of your jaw, just in front of your ear. It is a ball-and-socket joint similar to your hip.

• When you open your mouth, the ball emerges from the socket.
• When you close your mouth, the ball returns to its socket.
• Your TMJ is held in place by a network of muscles, ligaments, and a cartilage disk.
• TMJ pain can be on one side or both sides.
• It all depends on where the pain is located.
• If the pain is located on one side of the face, the problem is likely to originate from that side.

However, if the pain is spread across both sides of the face, it is less likely that the problem originates from one specific side. Trauma is a major cause of unequal strain on the jaw joints. You could be hit on one side of your jaw, causing serious injury to one of your jaw joints.

Can one tooth make your whole jaw hurt?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can put you out of commission because of how severe it can be. However, because of its location and the responsibilities it holds, TMJ pain can often feel like dental pain. If you have jaw pain and aren’t sure if it’s TMJ disorder or a toothache, keep reading to learn more.

• What Is TMJ Disorder? TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to the skull on each side of your face.
• This joint is responsible for opening and closing your mouth.
• TMJ disorder occurs when the joint becomes inflamed and irritated.
• Causes of TMJ vary from person to person.

While one patient may suffer from arthritis-induced TMJ pain, another may cause their own pain by grinding their teeth at night. TMJ symptoms can range from mild to severe and include pain in the jaw, aching pain around the ear, and difficulty or pain when eating.

In severe cases, the jaw can lock, which makes it hard to open and close your mouth. Why Does TMJ Pain Cause Tooth Pain? Because of its location near many muscles, nerves, and ligaments, TMJ pain can radiate to other parts of your face, neck, and head. This is known as referred pain, and in some cases, the radiated pain is severe enough that you may not think the pain is not coming from the TMJ.

Some pain radiates upward, which may cause pain in the head, ear, eyes, etc. However, when the pain radiates downward, it can cause pain near your teeth. Pain from TMJ can be dull, sharp, searing, sporadic, constant, etc. Different types of toothaches cause similar pain, which may cause patients to believe they are suffering from a toothache instead of TMJ disorder.

• TMJ also causes tooth pain by irritating trigger points.
• These trigger points form when the muscle becomes contracted and stiff.
• Less oxygenated blood reaches the area, and more toxins are held, causing tenderness.
• Can Tooth Pain Cause TMJ Pain? TMJ pain can make you think you have a toothache, but the connection runs deeper.

If you undergo a lot of dental procedures, such as crowns, it can affect your bite. In turn, this change can put extra strain on the jaw joint. Unlike referred pain, however, the jaw joint becomes inflamed and irritated because of the new position of the mouth.

If left untreated, this can cause long-term TMJ pain. A severe toothache in an upper molar may refer pain to another part of the face, including the jaw joint, making it feel like you have TMJ pain. However, in this case, fixing the toothache should fully resolve the TMJ pain. Of course, the pain may have caused you to grind your teeth or clench your teeth, which can leave the TMJ sore for a time too.

How Can You Differentiate TMJ Pain From a Toothache? If TMJ pain and toothache pain go hand in hand, how can you tell which is which? First, take a look inside your mouth to check for any cavities, chips, or cracks, which may be causing the pain. Similarly, if you have a tooth infection, you may spot pus oozing from a tooth.

• An infected tooth will also smell foul, and you may have a bitter taste in your mouth.
• If one or more of your teeth is suddenly overly sensitive to heat, cold, or sugar, you probably have a cavity.
• Finally, try resting your face for a time and/or massaging the temporomandibular joint.
• If the pain seems to lessen or dissipate, it may be TMJ pain.

TMJ pain can make your entire face hurt, including your teeth, making it hard to determine what kind of pain you are experiencing. If you believe your pain is from a toothache, or you want to rule out a cavity or infection, contact us at Davis & Beyer Dental Health Professionals today.

Why can’t I open my jaw all the way it hurts?

What is trismus? – When your jaw muscles become so tight that you can’t open your mouth, you may have a condition known as trismus. Trismus refers to muscle spasms in your temporomandibular joint. Head and neck cancer treatment is the most common reason why people develop trismus. Healthcare providers treat trismus with medication and physical therapy.

Why does my cheek hurt when I open my jaw?

We don’t think too much about our cheeks — maybe if we’re applying blush or if they turn red during an embarrassing moment. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.

• Policy But occasionally, you may feel pain in your cheeks.
• You may have a sinus infection, a tooth abscess, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), periodontal disease, a nerve condition or other medical conditions.
• If you’re experiencing severe pain, your doctor can help determine the underlying cause.

Dentist Anne Clemons, DMD, explains why you might have discomfort in your cheeks and when to see a doctor.