Any sort of jaw pain is distressing, but what if your discomfort has some unusual characteristics? For example, it might occur on only one side. Are you in the middle of a medical or dental emergency, or is the problem nothing to worry about? This blog post shares some possible explanations for one-sided jaw pain.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull. If one of these joints becomes inflamed or suffers from damage, you might notice pain on just one side of your face. This condition is known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
TMD can be the result of several factors, such as injury, arthritis, or excessive teeth grinding. Fortunately, dentists can recommend therapies that help relieve discomfort and protect your jaw joints.
Dental Abscess
Another cause of one-sided jaw pain is a dental abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. This infection might originate from a decayed tooth, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. If you have an abscesses, you may notice other symptoms alongside jaw pain, including:
- Swelling near the affected area
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A bad taste in your mouth
- A bump on the gums that looks like a pimple
If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to serious complications and systemic illness, so you should request an emergency dental appointment right away.
Sinusitis
Your sinuses are located close to your upper jaw. When you develop a sinus infection, also called sinusitis, inflammation or infection in these air-filled spaces can cause pressure that feels like jaw pain, which might occur on one or both sides.
If jaw pain appears alongside cold or allergy symptoms, sinusitis may be the culprit. This issue often resolves without medical intervention, but if symptoms persist, contact your primary care doctor for guidance.
Other Potential Causes
While less common, several serious conditions can also lead to pain on one side of your jaw:
- Heart attack: Sometimes, heart attacks cause jaw pain on the left side, often accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea.
- Oral cancers or jawbone tumors: Rarely, these conditions cause localized pain that might not resolve with routine dental care.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition involves irritation of the trigeminal nerve and results in sudden, severe facial pain that may be confused with dental problems.
One-sided jaw pain can stem from minor issues or signal life-threatening health problems. If you are uncertain about the cause of your discomfort, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor. Hopefully, the problem will soon be addressed so you can get back to enjoying your life!
Meet the Practice
Taylor Choice Dental is home to five highly skilled dentists. Our goal is to provide gentle and thorough care in a welcoming environment. We are often able to accept emergency patients on a same-day basis. To learn more about us or to request an appointment so we can assist with jaw pain or other issues, contact our office at 737-301-8555.