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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.

1. In some cases, jaw pain on one side can indicate underlying oral health problems.
2. 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.
3. 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.

1. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco.
2. If you’re experiencing one-sided jaw pain, Dr.
3. Brong and his team can help you get the prompt relief you deserve.
4. To make an appointment, visit our or call (507) 288-1066,
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Nicholas Brong

What does it mean if my jaw hurts on one side?

Dental Problems – More often than not, pain on one side of your jaw is linked to a dental problem like cavities, an abscess, wisdom teeth, gum disease, missing or misaligned teeth, or clenching and grinding. If a dental problem is the cause of your one-sided jaw pain, it’s usually accompanied by other symptoms such as bad breath, sensitive teeth, sores in your mouth, tooth pain, bleeding and painful gums, or pain with swallowing and chewing.

Why is my jaw hurting near my ear?

What is temporomandibular joint disorder? – The temporomandibular joint is actually two pairs of joints that make it possible for the jawbone to rotate and slide. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. The temporomandibular joints can be found on either side of the head in front of the ears.

Can jaw pain fix itself?

For most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles does not signal a serious problem. Generally, discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. The pain eventually goes away with little or no treatment.

Why is my jaw hurting all of a sudden?

On call – Q. I recently felt pain that begins in my lower jaw and goes up the side of my face toward the temple. What would cause this, and should I be concerned? A. There are several conditions to consider, a couple of which require prompt treatment. The most common cause of sudden jaw pain is an irritated nerve.

• Doctors call this condition neuralgia.
• If you had shingles in the past, you might be experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia.
• Or it could be a disorder called trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux.
• People with diabetes also can develop facial neuralgias.
• Jaw pain also could be a symptom of coronary artery disease, although there would typically be other symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure and shortness of breath with physical exertion or emotional stress.

Another potential cause of sudden jaw pain is temporal arteritis. This is an inflammation of blood vessels that causes headaches and jaw pain that develops after chewing for a while. It is important to at least consider this condition because it requires prompt treatment with the drug prednisone to avoid complications like losing eyesight.

• Two other possibilities also come to mind: cluster headaches and TMJ disorder,
• Cluster headaches could cause your symptoms, especially if the pain is severe, appears around the same time each day, and lasts for a few hours.
• This type of headache tends to be throbbing and is often located around one eye and higher up in the head.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder also might play a role if there is discomfort and tenderness at the point where the lower jaw hinges to the upper jaw. Since there are so many possibilities, you should see your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

How long does side jaw pain last?

How long does TMD last? – It depends on the severity of the underlying condition. TMJ symptoms last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Some TMJ disorders can last months or years This text opens a new tab to the WebMD website, such as those caused by teeth grinding and arthritis. But: Treatment and proper care may relieve you of your symptoms.

Can stress cause jaw pain?

How stress can cause jaw pain and how to relieve it | Live Better Physiotherapist Michael Chan explains how stress and anxiety can cause jaw pain. I have had the privilege of being a physiotherapist since 2003. My interest in jaw rehabilitation started later in my career, when some of the dearest people in my life were complaining about pain in their face and clicking in their jaw. Despite having already seen their GP and dentist for answers, they couldn’t find relief.

I remember thinking to myself, ‘There must be a way to help.’ Access to effective treatment for jaw problems is still relatively scarce within the healthcare industry. Motivated by this, I devoted many months studying the mechanics of the jaw, from which I devised my own unique treatment methods. Today, jaw physiotherapy makes up the largest proportion of my workload, and brings me the greatest satisfaction in my career.

Stress may subconsciously contribute to us clenching more frequently than usual, which creates more pressure within the jaw (or temporomandibular joints). Over time, this can lead to poor control of the muscles responsible for opening and closing the mouth.

• If this problem is left unchecked, our brain (which controls these muscles) can lose its ability to remember the correct position and movement of the jaw.
• Combined with the physical effects that stress has on our posture, as well as the muscles in the neck and shoulders, we have a concoction for catastrophe.

In all my years of treating jaw dysfunction, the greatest link my patients share is an elevated level of stress, and sometimes even, “Pain is best treated through very gentle jaw exercises which can be done quickly and discretely at home or work.” For many people experiencing facial pain, the cause can go unrecognised.

Clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth. Episodes where the jaw becomes stuck or ‘locked’. Difficulty and pain when eating certain foods, such as apples or nuts.

Often they may also experience the flow-on effects of jaw dysfunction, such as neck pain, ear pain, headaches, fear of meal times and weight loss (due to an inability to eat solid foods). So it is important to look out for these symptoms before they progress into more advanced stages of jaw dysfunction.

How do you release jaw tension?

Jaw Joint Stretch – This stretch uses your tongue to stretch the jaw forward. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your teeth. Then use your tongue to push your top teeth forward and, while doing that, slowly open your mouth, stretching those tight jaw muscles. Stop doing this when you feel pain. You can repeat this ten times.

Can TMJ come on suddenly?

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJs) are one of the most common causes of jaw and facial pain, Each case of TMJ is different, and patients have chronic pain caused by the disorder, while others may only have episodic occurrences of pain called flare-ups.

Why does my jaw and ear hurt on one side of my face?

2. Sinusitis – Inflammation in your nasal cavities can cause sinusitis, This tends to happen if you’ve had a cold, but allergies and other medical conditions can also contribute to sinusitis. If the sinus cavities behind your cheeks, known as the maxillary sinuses, are inflamed, you might feel pain in one or both sides of your jaw. Other symptoms of sinusitis can include:

nasal congestion that makes it hard to breathe through your noseyellow or green mucus that drains from your nose or into your throat ( post nasal drip )facial pain, pressure, and swelling pressure and pain in your ears and head fatigue difficulty smelling or tasting

Sinusitis often clears up on its own, but it may be worth checking in with a healthcare professional if lasts more than a week.

Why does my left ear and jaw hurt?

TMJ disorder – Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can actually be the culprit of many problems including ear and jaw pain. If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), you may experience headaches, migraines, eye pain and even sinus pressure. Some other conditions and factors that can contribute to TMJ pain and, ultimately, TMD include:

Teeth grinding.Misaligned jaw or teeth.Muscle injuries.Arthritis.

That is why it is important to visit your dentist for proper treatment to eliminate your symptoms and minimize discomfort.

What happens if jaw pain is left untreated?

Chronic Jaw Pain and Joint Damage – When you first start experiencing TMJ symptoms, you may have jaw pain that comes and goes—it could be aggravated by stress or even by having a chewy bagel for breakfast. Over time, damage to the temporomandibular joint will take its toll, resulting in chronic pain and other symptoms like cracking, popping, and locking of the jaw.

How long does it take for a hurt jaw to heal?

How long does a fractured jaw take to heal? –

A fracture can be classified as mild (if there are no signs of displacement), moderate (if there is a displacement of bone fragments), or severe (if there is significant displacement). The jaw can take up to six months to heal after being broken because of several factors, including the severity of the injury, age, and overall health. The approximate healing times for a broken jaw are as follows:

Conservative treatment (cold packs, rest, and medication), no surgery: 4-6 weeks. Surgical wiring or plates: 3-6 months.

In many cases, surgery isn’t required. If it is, the recovery time will take significantly longer.

Why is my jaw pain not going away?

Issues Chewing – Another symptom that might lead to developing TMJ is when you’re having problems chewing food. While allergies, colds, injuries, and sleeping can cause pain in the jaw, this usually goes away quickly. But when jaw pain persists for days on end, you might have developed TMJ.

• However, it can be hard to determine if you have this condition.
• If you have problems chewing food and opening and closing your mouth, pay attention to your symptoms and be sure to seek medical care if the pain gets worse or doesn’t go away in a few days.
• To expedite the process, you can try opening and closing your mouth to stretch these muscles.

This can sometimes ease these tight joints and muscles, sometimes making the recovery process a little smoother. Another symptom to look out for is if you have an uncomfortable bite. This is sometimes noticed when your top teeth don’t seem to fit properly with your bottom teeth.

How do you know if jaw pain is tooth related?

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.

1. TMJ also causes tooth pain by irritating trigger points.
2. These trigger points form when the muscle becomes contracted and stiff.
3. Less oxygenated blood reaches the area, and more toxins are held, causing tenderness.
4. 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 does my jaw hurt overnight?

If Your Jaw Hurts In The Morning, You May Be Grinding Your Teeth – Teeth grinding (bruxism) is the most common cause of jaw pain. If you notice that your jaw only hurts in the morning when you wake up, and your jaw pain becomes less intense as the day goes on, nighttime teeth grinding is the most likely culprit.

Teeth grinding can cause a lot of stress on your jaw muscles. This is because it’s a “parafunctional” activity, meaning that it’s an activity that uses your teeth for something that they aren’t intended for. Our teeth are only meant to make contact when we bite or chew. When our mouths are at rest, they are usually separated, and are not clenched together.

So if you grind your teeth at night, this can put a lot of stress on the jaw joints and muscles of your face, resulting in jaw pain.

How long does side jaw pain last?

How long does TMD last? – It depends on the severity of the underlying condition. TMJ symptoms last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Some TMJ disorders can last months or years This text opens a new tab to the WebMD website, such as those caused by teeth grinding and arthritis. But: Treatment and proper care may relieve you of your symptoms.

Can one tooth cause jaw pain?

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.

1. If left untreated, this can cause long-term TMJ pain.
2. 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.
3. However, in this case, fixing the toothache should fully resolve the TMJ pain.
4. 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.