One Side Jaw Pain
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
Contents
Why does the left side of my jaw and ear hurt?
TMJ dysfunction – Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain. Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure. Several conditions and factors can cause TMJ pain, including:
grinding the teethproblems with the alignment of the jaw or teeth muscle injuries arthritis
Although TMJ can be painful, home treatment often helps manage or even eliminate symptoms.
Why is only my right jaw hurting?
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
How do you fix jaw pain on one side?
How do healthcare providers treat jaw pain? – That depends on why your jaw hurts. If you have a broken jaw, you may need surgery, If your jaw hurts because you have an abscessed tooth or periodontal disease, you’ll need dental treatment. If you have TMD (sometimes called TMJ), a provider may recommend you try the following:
Eating soft foods. Applying heat or cold to your jaw. Doing gentle stretching exercises to relax and strengthen your jaw muscles. Taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Stop doing things like clenching your jaw, biting your nails or grinding your teeth.
Can 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 my jaw hurt on one side near my ear?
1. TMJ disorders – One source of ear and jaw pain may be related to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This area includes not only the jaw joint but also the muscles surrounding it. The TMJ is adjacent to the temporal bone, which includes your inner ear.
The TMJ does a lot of work, moving in many directions so you can chew and talk. Ear and jaw pain may occur from a TMJ disorder. Around 10 to 15 percent of adults may experience a TMJ disorder. These disorders cause inflammation and pain in your TMJ. Facial pain and ear discomfort are the most common complaints of this condition.
You may have a chronic TMJ disorder if you experience symptoms for longer than three months. You may develop a TMJ disorder from wear and tear or because of another medical condition. In some cases, your doctor may suspect a TMJ disorder, but you actually have something else like:
fibromyalgia sleep apnea anxiety depression
What are signs of ear infection jaw pain?
If you’re experiencing mouth pain, it could be a sign of an ear infection. In some cases, undiagnosed ear infections can lead to tooth or jaw pain. Thankfully, pain in your ears, teeth or jaw can often be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
How can you tell the difference between an ear infection and jaw pain?
Distinguishing Conditions – If you have an ear infection, you’ll know it because:
You are recovering from a recent illnessYou have a fever or localized warmth in the earThere’s discharge coming from your ear
If you haven’t been sick recently–or aren’t sick now–then you probably don’t have an ear infection. Fever is a dead giveaway of some kind of infection. TMJ won’t cause discharge from your ears, so that’s a definite sign of an infection. Remember: discharge may come from your outer ear or through your eustachian tubes. But TMJ is more likely if:
Your doctor says you don’t have an ear infectionThe symptoms don’t resolve on their ownThe symptoms don’t respond to antibioticsYou have other TMJ symptoms like jaw sounds or tooth wearYour symptoms seem to flare up after intense jaw activity
If you think you have an infection, you may not go to a doctor because viral infections tend to clear up on their own. But if symptoms persist and your doctor either clears you or gives you medication that doesn’t help,it’s time to consider that TMJ may be the cause of your ear symptoms.
This is when you should consider what other TMJ symptoms you may have. Jaw sounds, jaw pain, and tooth wear are all clear indicators that TMJ could be causing your problem. Another giveaway is that your symptoms come on when you work your jaw hard. This may be chewing a tough meal, talking a lot, talking loudly, or clenching your teeth due to stress,
If this sounds like your ear symptoms, then it’s time to talk to a TMJ dentist like Dr. Chris Hill in St. Louis. Please call (314) 678-7876 (Downtown St. Louis) or (314) 678-7876 (Clayton) today to schedule an appointment at City Smiles. Page load link Go to Top
How do I know if my jaw pain is serious?
You can experience jaw pain and tenderness due to joint damage, infection, or a toothache, among other causes. The other symptoms you have may help pinpoint the cause. Sudden jaw pain is typically not serious. But if it occurs with other concerning symptoms, such as chest pain or a high fever, it may be an early indicator of a more serious health condition, such as a heart attack.
How long does right 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.
What is the fastest way to relieve jaw pain?
Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, while heat can increase blood flow and relax your jaw muscles. Apply a hot or cold compress to your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes at a time using a light layer between the compress and your skin.
Why is my jaw misaligned all of a sudden?
Reasons Your Jaw Is Shifting – There are several causes that could result in your entire jaw becoming uneven. Some people are born with a crooked jaw, others develop the condition over time. For instance, Temporomandibular joint disorders, otherwise known as TMJ, is a common cause of jaw movement.
The conditions associated with TMJ – genetics, arthritis, injury, bruxism – can prevent the upper teeth from matching the lower teeth, which forces the jaw to shift its position. The shape and position of your teeth might also be causing your jaw to move out of place. Those with misaligned teeth often experience a misaligned jaw.
An overbite where the teeth protrude outwards and an underbite where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, are other causes. Those who have suffered a head trauma that has resulted in a dislocated, fractured or broken jaw can also experience a shifting jaw.
How do I relax my jaw?
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.
Is it OK to leave TMJ untreated?
Hearing Problems – The temporomandibular joints are located close to the ear canals, which means it’s common for patients to experience symptoms in their ears. If you have unexplained feelings of fullness in your ears, it could be due to your TMJ disorder.
How long do TMJ flare ups last?
How Long Do TMJ Flare-Ups Last? – TMJ flare-ups can last for a few minutes or up to a few days. If you are experiencing a flare-up, try doing some stress relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and self-massage. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen in combination with a warm compress applied to the area will help alleviate discomfort.
How do you check if you have TMJ?
The Test. – While opening your jaw slightly, place a finger over the joint in front of your ear, and then open wide until you can feel the joint move. If you feel the joint click or if it’s tender when you gently press, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.