Pain that occurs in or around your mouth is always alarming, but it can also be strange at times! For example, you may be confused if you have jaw pain that occurs on only one side. What could be causing the problem, and should you head to your emergency dentist for care? This blog post discusses some possible causes of one-sided jaw pain.
TMJ Disorder
One of the most common reasons for one-sided jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Your TMJs are the hinge joints connecting your jawbone to your skull, and when they become inflamed or damaged, you might experience pain on just one side of your face. Symptoms can also include clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, jaw stiffness, and even headaches.
Thankfully, TMD is highly treatable, so do not hesitate to ask your dentist about possible therapies that can alleviate the pain and protect your jaw joints.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is another potential culprit for unilateral jaw pain. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, which might originate from a decayed tooth, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. In addition to jaw pain, you might notice swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, or even a bad taste in your mouth. The abscess itself may resemble a pimple.
Left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to serious complications, so prompt attention from a dental professional is important. You should request an emergency appointment to get the most efficient care possible.
Sinusitis
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can also cause pain that radiates to one side of your jaw. Your sinuses are located close to your upper jaw, so inflammation or infection in these air-filled spaces can create pressure and discomfort that feels like it is coming from your teeth or jaw. You might also experience symptoms like nasal congestion, facial tenderness, or a headache.
If your jaw pain is accompanied by classic cold or allergy symptoms, sinusitis could be the cause. This issue often clears up on its own, but if it persists, you may need to see your primary care doctor.
Other Potential Causes
While less common, some serious conditions can also lead to one-sided jaw pain. For example:
- A heart attack can sometimes manifest as pain in the jaw, particularly on the left side, and is often accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea.
- Rarely, oral cancers or tumors in the jawbone may cause localized pain.
- Another condition, trigeminal neuralgia, involves irritation of the trigeminal nerve and can result in sudden, severe facial pain that may be mistaken for dental problems.
Jaw pain on one side can have many different causes, ranging from minor issues to life-threatening health problems. If you are not sure what is behind your discomfort, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist or doctor for guidance and care.
Meet the Practice
At Elevate Dental Charleston, Dr. Reed David and our team are often able to see emergency patients on a same-day basis. We strive to handle each case with a combination of compassion, urgency, and top-quality care. If you have jaw pain that you believe is related to a dental problem, do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 843-571-3560.