What is the Reason for Jaw Pain?
For patients with intense jaw pain, it can be very uncomfortable to complete daily tasks such as speaking and eating. With jaw pain, these simple, routine activities can result in serious discomfort. The pain may be so intense that patients may struggle to focus. Severe jaw pain can make it difficult for patients to open their mouth. Jaw pain can also move into other regions of the head and face, resulting in headaches and other issues.
Everything in and around the mouth is connected. Various types of issues can cause jaw pain. Surprisingly, the cause may not have anything to do with the jaw. A common cause for jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ can be caused by things such as bruxism or grinding, trauma, arthritis, or the patient having a genetic predisposition. Other common causes for jaw pain include the following:
- Heart attack
- High levels of stress or anxiety
- Infection
- Poor alignment of the teeth or jaw
- Tumors and cysts
- Wisdom teeth
Pain in or near the jaw is the most obvious symptom affiliated with jaw pain. When the pain is minor, it will typically fade over time and not be an issue. Throbbing pain which persists over a few days, however, can be serious. Patients with persistent and severe pain should contact their dentist right away.
The location of the jaw pain can differ depending on the underlying cause. Pain can be present on one or both sides of the face. Jaw pain is common following a tooth extraction. Jaw pain can also occur from tooth decay or impacted wisdom teeth.
It is also possible for jaw pain to spread into the ears or neck, causing redness and inflammation. Inflammation of the neck and face can be extremely painful and make it difficult to complete simple tasks like turning the head.
Clicking or popping of the jaw often suggest a patient has TMJ disorder. Other symptoms of TMJ include pain where the jawbone connects to the skull, discomfort below the cheekbone, and pain near the temples. If a patient has persistent jaw pain, they should make an appointment with their dentist. The dentist can complete a thorough examination to identify the cause and determine how to treat the issue. Additional symptoms of TMJ can include difficulty eating, chewing, or talking, earaches, headaches, face swelling, fever, locked jaw and swollen lymph nodes.
Treatment
In some cases, jaw pain may be resolved over time with rest. Over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen, which contains an anti-inflammatory can also help alleviate the pain. Some patients with stress-induced jaw pain find relief through the practice of calming techniques to reduce their stress. Patients may also find relief in limiting their caffeine intake. A warm, moist towel, and ice can be used when patients experience jaw pain from an accident or injury. At home remedies should only be used temporarily for relief.
Jaw pain which lasts beyond a day or two suggests a more serious issue. Patients should follow up with their dentist for an appointment. The dentist can determine the underlying cause of the pain and create an effective treatment plan.