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Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Only One Side?

August 15, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — aveni @ 7:56 pm
Illustration of human jaw against white background

If you are experiencing jaw pain on one side in Plymouth, you may understandably be alarmed. Fortunately, this problem usually does not mean that a person is suffering from a life-threatening medical condition. More often, it points to the need to seek emergency dental care. This blog post discusses some common explanations for jaw pain that occurs on only one side.

Is It a Heart Attack?

In rare instances, jaw pain, either on one side or both, is a symptom of a heart attack. This usually occurs in women, but men can experience it as well. If your jaw pain is accompanied by other signs of a heart attack, such as pressure or pain in the chest, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or cold sweats, call 911 right away.

If you are relatively sure that your heart is healthy, your jaw pain may have an entirely different explanation.

TMD Pain

The TMJ is the joint that joins that lower jaw with the rest of the skull. TMJ disorder (TMD) can cause pain on either one or both sides of the jaw. It can be quite uncomfortable, and if left untreated, it may contribute to significant dental problems down the road. Fortunately, for most cases of TMD, there is a noninvasive solution, such as a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding, facial massages, or another relatively simple remedy.

Dental Abscess

When an infection invades the root of a tooth, an abscess may form. This can cause severe pain on one side of the jaw. Facial swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, a bump on the gums, and a throbbing toothache may also be present.

Without treatment, an oral infection can spread into nearby tissues and cause systemic illness. It is a dental emergency that merits immediate care.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the sinus cavities above the upper jaw become swollen and inflamed. In turn, this can cause some jaw pain or dental pain. Sinusitis may be the result of allergies, a cold, or other factors that contribute to nasal congestion. In most cases, sinusitis goes away on its own within a week or so, but persistent symptoms merit a visit to a general physician.

Other Possible Causes of One-Sided Jaw Pain

Some rare causes of one-sided jaw pain that most people may not think of include:

  • Trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that, when it suffers abnormal pressure, can cause significant pain on one side of the face.
  • Osteomyelitis. This is a bone infection that rarely occurs after dental surgery. It can be life-threatening if it remains untreated, so timely care is vital.
  • Tumors and cysts. These growths are usually not life-threatening or cancerous, but they can sometimes cause jaw pain.

Jaw pain can be a symptom of a range of issues, from nasal congestion to dental problems to serious health issues. If you are not sure what is causing your discomfort, you should certainly seek a professional opinion as soon as possible.

Meet the Practice

The team at Aveni Dental Professionals provides general and emergency care services to the Plymouth community. In most cases, we can accept urgent cases on a same-day basis. To learn more about us and how we may be able to help you find relief from jaw pain, contact us at 508-217-7454.

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