Why Does My Jaw Ache on One Side?
Jaw pain is a common issue that can affect individuals of all ages. While some may experience discomfort on both sides of their jaw, others might only feel pain on one side. If you’re wondering, “Why does my jaw ache on one side?” it’s essential to understand the potential causes behind this symptom. Unilateral jaw pain can be indicative of a variety of conditions, ranging from mild issues to more severe medical concerns. In this article, we will explore some of the most common reasons for one-sided jaw pain and provide insights into when you should seek professional care.
Anatomy of the Jaw and TMJ
To fully understand what might cause jaw pain, it’s important to know a little about the anatomy of the jaw. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint plays a vital role in various functions, such as chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Issues with the TMJ are a frequent cause of jaw pain, especially when it occurs on one side.
The TMJ is a complex structure that includes muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones. Because of its complexity and the critical role it plays, any issues with the TMJ can lead to pain, discomfort, and a variety of symptoms that may affect only one side of the jaw.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain on One Side
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) One of the most common causes of jaw pain on one side is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), often referred to as TMJ disorder. This condition affects the joint connecting the jaw to the skull, and it can cause pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the jaw. It’s possible to have TMD on one or both sides of the jaw, but many individuals experience pain localized to one side.
Symptoms of TMD can vary and may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)
- Headaches
TMD can be caused by several factors, including bruxism (teeth grinding), arthritis, injury to the jaw, or stress, which may cause you to clench your jaw muscles. Seeking care from a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is essential for diagnosing and treating this condition effectively. TMJ treatment options may include physical therapy, oral appliances, or in severe cases, surgery.
- Dental Issues Another common reason for one-sided jaw pain is dental problems. Issues like tooth infections, abscesses, or impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort that is often localized to one side of the jaw. In these cases, the pain might radiate from the teeth to the jaw, and you may also experience symptoms such as swelling, redness, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
If you suspect your jaw pain is related to dental issues, it’s crucial to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could lead to further complications, including more severe infections or tooth loss.
- Sinus Problems Sometimes, what feels like jaw pain on one side could actually be related to sinus problems. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located near your nose and eyes. When they become inflamed due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections, they can cause pressure and pain in nearby areas, including the jaw.
If you have sinus-related jaw pain, you may notice additional symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, or a feeling of pressure around your eyes or forehead. In most cases, treating the underlying sinus issue will alleviate the jaw pain.
- Trauma or Injury If you’ve recently experienced trauma to the face or jaw, this could be the cause of your one-sided jaw pain. Injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage can lead to significant discomfort and difficulty moving the jaw. Even if you don’t recall a specific incident, repetitive actions like clenching your jaw or chewing tough foods could result in overuse injuries that affect one side of the jaw.
In cases of injury, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further damage and ensure proper healing.
- Arthritis Arthritis isn’t just limited to large joints like the knees or hips—it can also affect the jaw. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both lead to inflammation and degeneration of the temporomandibular joint, causing pain and stiffness, typically on one side. Arthritis-related jaw pain may be accompanied by a grinding sensation when moving the jaw or a limited range of motion.
Early intervention is key to managing arthritis in the jaw. A TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can recommend appropriate treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or joint injections to help manage symptoms.
- Stress and Muscle Tension Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety can also contribute to jaw pain. Many individuals unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth, especially when feeling stressed. This can put extra strain on the muscles around the TMJ, leading to pain that is often worse on one side.
Relaxation techniques, stress management, and exercises that target the jaw muscles can help reduce this type of jaw pain. In more severe cases, a TMJ specialist may recommend a custom mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and alleviate pressure on the jaw.
- Nerve Issues Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare but severe condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and jaw. This disorder can cause intense, sudden, and sharp pain on one side of the face, often mistaken for jaw pain. The pain episodes can be triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, or even touching the face.
Trigeminal neuralgia requires specialized treatment, including medications to control nerve pain or, in some cases, surgery to alleviate pressure on the affected nerve.
- Abscess or Cyst An abscess or cyst in the jaw can lead to localized pain on one side. Abscesses are pockets of infection that can develop in the gums, teeth, or jawbone, while cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the jaw or mouth. Both can cause significant discomfort, swelling, and, if left untreated, can lead to further complications.
Treatment typically involves draining the abscess or cyst and addressing the underlying infection, often with antibiotics or surgery.
- Tumors or Growths In rare cases, tumors or abnormal growths in the jawbone or surrounding tissues can cause one-sided jaw pain. These growths can be benign or malignant, and they may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling, numbness, or changes in the appearance of the face.
If a tumor is suspected, a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist is necessary to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include imaging studies, biopsies, and potential surgical intervention.
When to Seek Professional Help
While mild, temporary jaw pain can often be managed with home remedies such as applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, or resting the jaw, persistent or severe pain warrants professional evaluation. You should consider seeking medical attention if:
- Your jaw pain lasts for more than a few days
- The pain is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing
- You experience a popping or clicking sensation when moving your jaw
- Your jaw locks or becomes stuck in an open or closed position
- The pain is severe enough to interfere with eating, speaking, or daily activities
A TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can provide a thorough examination and recommend the best course of action based on the underlying cause of your pain. Whether it’s TMJ treatment, dental intervention, or addressing stress-related issues, seeking help early can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
Jaw pain on one side can be caused by a variety of factors, from TMJ disorders to dental issues, sinus problems, or even nerve-related conditions. While some causes are relatively benign, others may require prompt medical attention. If you’re dealing with persistent or severe one-sided jaw pain, it’s essential to consult a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring the pain or delaying treatment can lead to further discomfort and complications, so it’s always best to address the issue as soon as possible.
Meet Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP – TMJ Specialist Facial & Oral Pain Specialist
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
Book Your Appointment Today with Dr. Nojan!