Jaw Pain on One Side

Like many other medical conditions, jaw pain can be caused by various reasons. As per the underlying cause, jaw pain is classified as primary or secondary. Primary jaw pain constitutes the pain caused by any medical condition that involves the jaw, whereas secondary jaw pain arises due to problems in any body part other than the jaw. In case of secondary jaw pain, the pain or discomfort in other body parts migrates to the jaw and the affected person experiences jaw pain, with or without additional symptoms. While most complaints of primary jaw pain can be addressed by a dentist or an ENT specialist, you may need other specialist doctors for secondary jaw pain. However, you may start with your family doctor or dentist and if required, he may refer you to other specialists for further investigation and treatment.

What Causes Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain may occur on one side or on both sides, as per the underlying cause. As primary jaw pain is caused by conditions directly involving the jaw, most of those causes give rise to jaw pain on one side only. In most cases, additional symptoms may be experienced by the affected people. The following are some of the commonly found symptoms, apart from jaw pain.

• Headaches
• Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint
• Difficulty in moving the jaw
• Difficulty in talking or chewing food
• Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth
• Grinding teeth
• Soreness in facial muscles

The additional symptoms may vary with the underlying cause, that may not be the same for all. So, it is always advisable to consult your physician, if you are experiencing severe and/or persistent jaw pain. The following are some of the common jaw pain causes that may vary from mild to severe.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A common cause of jaw pain on one side is temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMJ/TMD) that affects the temporomandibular joint. In this case, the jaw joints cannot open or close properly. The common symptoms are jaw pain, which radiates to the areas around the ear, cheek bone or neck; popping/clicking/cracking sounds from the jaw joints; headaches, difficulty in opening the mouth, etc. This condition is commonly caused by regular grinding or clenching of teeth. Regular nail-biting may also cause this condition. Treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder is decided according to the cause and severity of the condition. Usually, TMJ is treated with pain killers, anti-inflammatory medication, steroids and muscle relaxants. Jaw exercises, relaxation therapies and use of mouth splints or mouth guards are also found to relieve the condition. In some serious cases, surgery may also be required.

Trauma to the Jaw: Any type of trauma to the jaw may cause jaw pain on one side, if the injury is on that side. This is among the most common examples of primary jaw pain. It can include a broken jaw or an injury to the jaw caused by bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth). This condition can be painful and needs immediate treatment.

Dental Problems: Dental problems are also among the leading causes of jaw pain and discomfort in the mouth. These include tooth cavities, broken teeth and teeth that are pulled out of alignment. Another dental problem that can cause jaw pain is oral surgery and fillings in teeth. Severe gum infections and gingivitis may also result in jaw pain.

Jaw Arthritis: Arthritis can also affect the jaw and cause jaw pain. It could be rheumatoid arthritis, infectious (septic) arthritis or osteoarthritis. So, the condition has to be diagnosed properly, so as to provide the required treatment. Lyme disease can also cause jaw pain.

Bony Growths: Bony growths or bone spurs around the jaw joint or jaw, can cause jaw pain while opening the mouth. This condition may develop during old age due to wear and tear of the jaw joint or due to new bony growths.

Other Jaw Pain Causes: There are many more conditions that may cause jaw pain. These include abscess, infection or tumors in the jaw, extraction of teeth, sinus infection, swollen jaw glands, jaw cysts, migraine, nose infection, dental surgeries, paranasal sinus infection, dental caries, cancers of the head and neck, osteomyelitis, etc.

Serious Causes: One of the life-threatening causes of jaw pain is heart attack. Jaw pain, if accompanied by chest pain, breathing trouble, tightness in chest, nausea and left shoulder or arm pain, requires immediate medical attention. All or any of these symptoms may lead to a heart attack. Osteonecrosis (dead bone) of the jaw is another fatal problem seen in patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonate medicines for osteoporosis. Apart from these jaw pain causes, there are other rare causes like irritation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal neuralgia), inflammation of the parotid gland, actinomycosis (fungal infection) and tetanus.

The above said are some of the possible underlying causes for jaw pain on one side. The pain may be mild to severe, as per the underlying cause and its severity. It can be persistent or recurring. Some people experience jaw pain, only when they move these bones for chewing or talking. For minor cases of jaw pain, wait for a few days and if there is no relief, approach a doctor. But, those who are affected with severe jaw pain and those with additional symptoms, must seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for jaw pain may also vary with the underlying cause and its severity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.