No matter where it forms, jaw pain can be a debilitating problem if left untreated. Although many patients experience issues that affect both joints, the extreme discomfort can remain confined to only one side. Why does this happen? To discover the answers, keep reading, and learn when you should plan to seek emergency care.
What Causes One-Sided Jaw Pain?
Unexplained jaw pain that occurs on only one side can be alarming. Your initial thought might be that you have damaged it in some way or developed a serious dental issue that is putting the rest of your smile at risk. What you may not realize is that there are several reasons why this can occur, such as:
TMJ/TMD
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD) occurs when the jaw joints that connect to the base of your skull become inflamed or damaged. Bite misalignment, stress, and teeth grinding can often be the cause.
An Abscessed Tooth
When a bacterial infection forms within a tooth, it can become increasingly painful and radiate to nearby facial structures, including your jaw. Treating an abscessed tooth is essential, especially since delaying care can lead to a life-threatening situation.
Sinus Infection
Your back teeth and maxillary sinuses are close in proximity, which means that when you develop a sinus infection, it will feel like a painful toothache. As it worsens, you may begin to feel discomfort in your jaw.
Ear Infection
A common symptom of TMJ is ear pain; however, having an earache doesn’t necessarily mean your jaw joints are the underlying problem. It’s easy to mistake symptoms and dismiss essential care, hoping it will eventually go away. Instead, it is always better to let a trusted dentist take a look.
When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?
While not all cases of jaw pain require emergency treatment, your dentist always encourages you to call if you are experiencing orofacial discomfort. However, if you want to know what signs to look for that indicate it’s time to see a professional for help, here are a few:
- Chest pain
- High fever
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Intense tooth or jaw pain
These symptoms can indicate something more serious, such as a heart attack or an abscess.
One-sided jaw pain might seem like a mysterious development, but now that you know what can be the cause, you can take the appropriate actions to get the care you need.
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed has more than 15 years of experience and is committed to improving his patients’ smiles through honest, personalized, and compassionate dental care. Trained to provide tailored treatment for jaw pain, he and his team work quickly to help those struggling, regardless of the severity of the situation. If you are dealing with unexplained discomfort on one side of your jaw, visit our website or call (850) 215-0128 to schedule an appointment.