Are you currently experiencing significant pain on one side of your jaw, but not the other? If you are, it’s natural to be concerned about it, especially if the discomfort is serious.
Thankfully, it being on one side of your jaw can eliminate a lot of really scary possibilities, which may make a conversation with your dentist a little easier. If you want to know what that kind of pain could mean, here are a few common things that it could be.
Dental Problems
As with any pain in the mouth, one of the first causes to consider is a dental problem. This is especially true if you’re experiencing pain on one side of the mouth more than another—it’s possible that you’re having trouble with a single tooth.
There are several dental problems that can cause this kind of discomfort. Cavities are a common one, but severe pain may also be a result of an abscessed tooth or an infection. If you’re in your mid-to-late-twenties, you might also be having trouble with your wisdom teeth coming in.
In any case, these conditions are all worth talking to a dentist about so that they don’t get worse. If you’re in pain, see if you can’t schedule an emergency appointment.
TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw to the rest of the face. These small joints take on a lot of pressure on a daily basis, and as a result, it’s not uncommon for them to fall out of alignment.
This is known as a TMJ disorder, and jaw pain is one of its most prominent symptoms. You might also experience popping or clicking when you open your mouth, along with some other symptoms due to the joint’s proximity to the inner ear, like nausea or an earache.
Sinus Infection
Your sinuses are located across the face, so it’s common for a sinus infection to feel a little bit like a pain in your jaw. If the pain is accompanied by cold-like symptoms, like a fever or running nose, this could be the culprit.
No matter your issue, a dentist would be happy to help you get the care that you need. Reach out to them, and they’ll do what they can to alleviate your discomfort.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Carmen knew from a young age that he wanted to be a dentist, and to this day he hasn’t regretted his career choice for even a second! As a first-year dental student, Dr. Carmen was selected for the United States Navy’s Health Profession Scholarship Program, and he was then commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy. He served across several military bases before opening his private practice in Norman.
If you have any questions about a toothache, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (405) 364-2200.