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Why Does My Jaw Hurt On One Side?

Why Does My Jaw Hurt On One Side?

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Jaw Hurt

    If you think that a sore jaw can only bring a minor inconvenience in your life, then you are mistaken. The soreness can hamper a lot of daily activities. Aching pain on either side of your jaw can be irritating. Moreover, you will face trouble while eating and drinking with a sore jaw. However, you can’t be too complacent. 

    If you feel pain in the jaw, it can indicate a severe underlying condition. In addition, jaw pains can be accompanied by other symptoms that indicate something serious. Let us look at the possible situations that may cause jaw pain and make you wonder, “Why does my jaw hurt on one side?”

    Causes of pain on one side of the jaw 

    Jaw pain is common and affects the lower jaw or mandible. However, if you have one-sided jaw pain, the pain intensity will reduce slowly. If the pain is left untreated, it may become severe. 

    Jaw pain can occur because of a physical injury, behavioural, or systemic disease. Other symptoms can develop slowly or suddenly. The causes and symptoms of jaw pain are:

    • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

    The temporomandibular joint is situated on each side of the head in front of the ears. It is a soft cartilage disk that cushions the joints. However, if the cartilage becomes damaged, it is called a temporomandibular joint disorder. 

    The symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw soreness, swelling, earaches, headaches, clicking or popping sounds inside your mouth. Moreover, this disorder is associated with arthritis, jaw injury, infection, and arthritis. 

    If the bones around the jaws get locked and refuse to open up, it may be because of TMJ disorder. The condition can also result in pain around the neck, head, and shoulder. 

    Why is the jaw sore on one side? To know more, you may contact the experts at Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital. 

    • Myofascial pain syndrome

    If you have overused your jaw muscles through repetitive motions, it may cause myofascial pain syndrome. It is a muscle injury that may lead to the development of scar tissues. As a result, the jaw is affected, causing pain on one or both sides. 

    So next time, if you think, “Why does my jaw hurt on one side?” check if you have injured your facial muscles through repetitive motions.

    • Dental issues

    One of the most common reasons for ‘Why does my jaw hurt on one side?’ is dental issues. Jaw soreness or pain on one side of the jaw can occur because of dental issues. For example, cavities, gum disease, emerging wisdom teeth, misaligned teeth, and abscessed teeth can cause jaw pain. 

    Misaligned teeth can hinder jaw movement and cause pain. Likewise, an abscessed tooth can hurt the jaw as it spreads to the gums and bones. Cavities and abscessed teeth are often followed by bad breath, fever, facial swelling, and tooth pain. 

    • Sinusitis

    Sinusitis may result from cold or allergic reactions. However, it resolves independently, and you may not require any external assistance for this condition. If the sinus cavity behind the cheeks becomes inflamed, it may cause jaw pain. In addition, you may experience trouble tasting or smelling, tiredness, nasal congestion, and phlegm. 

    • Bruxism

    Why is my jaw hurting on one side? See if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping. You may ask your partner to look at this habit during sleep time. The habit of grinding or clenching the teeth while sleeping is called bruxism. Stress and anxiety can also cause this condition. In addition, excess caffeine intake and stimulant drugs can also cause teeth grinding, which in turn leads to pain in the jaw.

    • Tumours and cysts

    If you have tumours and cysts inside your mouth, it can hamper your oral health. These conditions can destroy the bone and tissues in your mouth. Moreover, cysts can multiply and cause dental problems. 

    If you have patches in your mouth along with bleeding gums, you must diagnose your condition. These sores or cysts can be cancerous and require medical attention. 

    • Heart attack

    Heart attacks can also cause jaw pain. Conditions such as angina or arteritis can cause jaw and chest pain. In addition, you may experience muscle tension in your chest and arms. Additional symptoms of a heart attack include heartburn, fatigue, indigestion, and dizziness. It requires immediate medical attention, and you must get admitted into a hospital. 

    • Dislocation of the jaw

    If your jaw is dislocated, it can cause pain on one or both sides. Dislocation is not apparent right away, but it requires emergency medical care. 

    You may have any of the conditions mentioned above. However, if you want to know more about such conditions, you may contact Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital. Our expert doctors will solve your queries and help you get answers to “Why does your jaw hurt on one side?”

    Tips and treatments for one-sided jaw pain 

    You may have an answer to ‘Why is my jaw hurting on one side?’; but how do you overcome the pain? If you have mild jaw pain, it can be treated with at-home remedies. However, if you witness additional symptoms and pain, you must visit a dentist. Some of the home remedies include:

    • Use a hot compress to soothe the aching muscles. Apply the compress where the jaw hurts, and you will see a difference in the pain and stiffness.
    • If you have swelling in your facial tissues, apply a cold compress. Ice brings down the swelling by numbing facial muscles.
    • Do not eat food that is hard to chew. Give time to your jaw muscles to heal and relax. Try to eat soft and easy to chew foods. Moreover, do not clench or grind your teeth. You may learn relaxation techniques for added benefits.
    • Try massage therapy from a professional therapist to relieve tension and pain in your jaw.
    • You can try OTC pain relievers to get temporary relief. Remember to take the medicines in the required doses. 
    • Maintain your oral hygiene by visiting a dentist frequently. Brush your teeth and prevent cavities to avoid jaw pain.

    Following these tips can relieve jaw pain and provide relaxation to your jaw joints and muscles. Even after following the home remedies, if your jaw feels sore and you wonder, “Why is my jaw sore on one side still?” you may contact Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital.

    When to see a doctor or dentist 

    You may visit your doctor if you have not got an answer to ‘Why is my jaw hurting on one side?’ Visit your doctor if you experience:

    • Pain in the lower jaw and mouth for extended periods. The pain is followed by high fever, chest pain, and fatigue. 
    • Trouble drinking, swallowing or breathing.
    • A cracking sound around the jaw joint, difficulty opening your mouth, and other symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. 
    • Dislocation or fracture of your jaw bone.
    • Emerging wisdom teeth and dental problems like cavities and gum diseases.
    • Severe tooth pain, bleeding gum, mouth sores, lumps or growth in the mouth. Moreover, signs of infections, tumours, and cysts require immediate medical attention. 

    It is vital to understand why the jaw is sore on one side, failing which, the signs and symptoms may make you run to a hospital. You may also contact Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital to know more.

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