Why Does My Jaw Hurt?

Most people complain about their jaw pain at some point in their life. They do not know why their jaw hurts but surely want relief from the same. Its existence affects the usual eating habits and makes you feel uneasy. The jaw pain could be caused due to numerous reasons which require proper consideration and treatment.

What causes jaw pain?

The most common reasons for jaw ache are as explained below.

1. Dental issues like mouth cavity, cracked tooth, bacterial infection, or gum disease. You should always take professional advice from your dentist to avoid severe conditions if you face any of these.
2. Mental stress and tension: If a person is too stressed in life, it might also lead to severe jaw pain. This is because of our habit of jaw clenching and teeth grinding while stressed. This undoubtedly leads to an unhealthy and tense jaw.
3. Sinus: If a person is a sinus patient, he might face jaw pain considerably. The jaw pain in such situations further causes dizziness, postnasal drip, and forehead pressure. If you encounter any of these issues, you might contact your dentist and get a proper prescription to avoid the same.
4. Headache: It is usually seen that people with severe headaches or migraines face jaw ache. In such cases, the blood vessels and nerves accumulate to produce intense discomfort in the mouth and the other parts. Consult your dentist or a doctor in case of severe headaches and jaw pain to avoid critical conditions.
5. TMJ or the Temporomandibular Joint: It stands among the most common issues or causes of jaw hurt. The TMJ is a joint that connects the lower jaw to your skull.

There are several ways through which the temporomandibular joint might cause the jaw to ache whenever you open your mouth. A few of the symptoms for the same are:

• Tender and soft jaw
• Painful chewing and eating
• Pain during the opening of the jaw
• Minor sound while opening the jaw
• Pain around the ears

6. Other rare causes: A few causes or issues are not usual in everyone. However, they may lead to jaw pain. There is no apparent reason behind the jaw ache, but a proper consultation with the dentist will enable you to know the exact condition. Some of these rare issues or causes of jaw pain include:

• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Osteomyelitis
• Tumors and cysts

How to get relief from jaw pain temporarily?

You should always consult a dentist if you face severe jaw pain. However, if the pain is mild and temporary, you may use any mentioned methods to cure it. These might bring relief temporarily.

• Consider using heat for relieving stiffness
• Use ice packs to numb the hurting area
• Eat soft food and avoid hard chewing
• Sleep and relax your mouth
• Sleep without pressuring your jaw with the hand

There are several cures for each of the above reasons for jaw pain. However, the most common that stands amongst all of them is a consultation with the dentist or doctor. It would be best not to avoid your oral health as it might lead to severe conditions and discomfort.

Book an Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.