Jaw pain is one thing, but feeling the ache from only one side of your face? That’s scary, and you’d probably like to know what this could mean. While it’s true that one-sided jaw pain can be a symptom of some rare and serious diseases, more often than not there’s a simpler explanation that can be more easily treated.
Before you panic, keep reading to learn about the more common causes of this discomfort – and how your dentist might be able to help.
TMJ Disorder
“TMJ” stands for “temporomandibular joint,” which is the joint responsible for opening and closing your jaw. If it’s misaligned or damaged, you might experience aches that spread from one or both TMJs or hear a clicking sound when you move your jaw. Depending on the extent of your discomfort and other symptoms, your dentist may or may not want to see you for an urgent appointment. Either way, give them a call so they can treat your disorder.
Sinus Infection
For better or worse, your sinuses are located just above your jaw. When they become infected or agitated due to allergies, the resulting congestion and inflammation can put extra strain on your gums and oral bones. If you notice an excess of mucus in your system, see whether antibiotics or allergy medicine alleviates your discomfort.
Dental Condition
If you have a dental condition like tooth decay, gum disease, overcrowding, or impaction, the pain in your affected tooth can get transferred along your jawbone. These types of problems can lead to tooth loss or other serious health issues without prompt treatment, making it important to call your dentist right away!
Migraine Headache
Migraines are still a rather mysterious phenomenon in the minds of health professionals, partially because of some of the bizarre symptoms they can cause. One-sided jaw or facial pain happens to be one of those.
You might also experience dizziness when you move your head a certain way, sensitivity to light or sounds, or trouble with your vision. Migraines are not often emergencies, but they can be incredibly uncomfortable, so definitely let your doctor know about any of these symptoms.
What Should I Do About My Jaw Pain?
At this point, you might still feel at a loss about what to do with your jaw pain, since there are more than a few potential causes for it. For a short-term solution, take over the counter pain medication as needed, and try applying a cold compress to the area.
If your discomfort is chronic, you experience other concerning symptoms, or the problem simply weighs heavily on your mind, get in touch with your dentist and your healthcare team. They’ll listen carefully as you describe the issue, and work hard to provide a diagnosis and long-term solution.
About the Author
Dr. Roshan Shroff earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and has certifications in several dental specialties, including occlusion treatment (treatments designed to improve jaw alignment). If you’re concerned about one-sided jaw pain, he’d be happy to help you get to the bottom of your problem and provide quality service. To contact Dr. Shroff’s office, call 303-632-3622.