Have you recently felt jaw pain on one side of your face? While this can be unsettling and frustrating, this usually isn’t something to be too concerned about! However, there are some cases where discomfort in the jawbone can be a sign of a dental emergency, which would require you to see your dentist right away. Keep reading to learn several reasons you may experience aching on one side of the jaw, and when you should seek dental care.
TMJ Disorder
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is what connects your jaw to your skull. If there’s an existing disorder, then you may have an issue with the disc that helps move the bones properly. Should the joint be damaged, or the disc becomes misaligned, you could experience an aching or popping when moving your mouth. You may even have difficulty opening and closing it if the joint locks up. This condition can be due to arthritis, tissue damage (especially to the cartilage in the joint), or jaw infection.
Sinusitis
This is when your nasal cavities become inflamed—usually caused by a cold, allergies, or other medical conditions. If your maxillary sinuses are affected, which are behind your cheeks, then you might feel discomfort in your jaw. Sinusitis tends to go away on its own, but you should check in with your dentist if it persist for a week or more.
Dental Health Issues
One major reason your jaw may feel uncomfortable is because of a tooth condition. Whether it’s due to misaligned teeth, cavities, an abscessed tooth, or gum disease—these can cause pain on one or both sides of your face. For this reason, it’s crucial to maintain a good dental hygiene, that way you can spot any unusual sensations before they become worse.
When Should I See My Dentist?
While most cases of jaw pain will simply require a cold compress or OTC medication to manage, some symptoms may warrant an immediate visit to your dentist. Here are several signs you should seek help right away:
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, eating, or drinking.
- Inability to move your mouth normally due to discomfort.
- Swelling or a fever is present and won’t go away.
- A sudden disappearance of severe pain after a burst of salty and smelly liquid.
Even if you aren’t certain if you’re in any serious risk, you should consider informing your dentist of your situation. With their help, they can treat your oral issues to help you get back on track to a strong and healthy mouth!
About the Practice
At Prime Dentistry, we are proud to offer excellent, comprehensive, and modern dental care for your needs. Our two expert dentists—Dr. Ahir —is dedicated to delivering advanced treatments using the latest in dental technology. They have a wide selection of procedures, including checkups and emergency dentistry to help preserve your oral health. If you wish to schedule a visit for jaw pain, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call us at 940-514-0333.
