Are you struggling with jaw pain on one side? In many cases, it’s nothing serious. However, it can make it difficult to smile, chew, and even speak comfortably. For this reason, it can be helpful to learn about the common culprits and when to seek treatment with an emergency dentist. To learn more, read on!
3 Potential Reasons for Jaw Pain on One Side
From common culprits, like inflammation from overuse, to rare causes, like osteomyelitis, there are a wide range of reasons your jaw could be hurting on one side. The three most common ones are:
- TMJ Disorder – The temporomandibular joint is where your skull and jaw connect. As a result, it plays an essential role in helping you communicate, bite, and chew. If the joint becomes inflamed or otherwise damaged, it can result in difficulty opening and closing your mouth, earaches, and tenderness in your jaw.
- Sinusitis – A common cold, allergies, and certain medical conditions are all precursors to sinusitis. This condition results in irritation to the sinus cavities behind your cheeks, resulting in facial swelling, difficulty smelling, fatigue, and facial pain.
- Dental problems – Naturally, pain stemming from your jaw could have something to do with your teeth or gums. For example, a cavity, abscess, gum disease, or teeth grinding. Luckily, your dentist can help you with all of these dental problems, ensuring your pain-free smile will be back in no time.
When You Should Contact Your Dentist
If your jaw pain is infrequent, then it most likely isn’t an urgent issue that requires a visit to your emergency dentist’s office. Just be sure to bring it up during your next dental checkup and cleaning. In the meantime, use a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain medication as needed to stay comfortable. On the other hand, if the soreness is persistent or getting worse, then you should schedule an appointment right away. From there, your dental team can hear about your concerns, conduct an oral exam, and determine what the best course of action is.
There is no denying that jaw pain can be unpleasant, especially when it makes chewing a hassle. Luckily, the root of the problem is often nothing serious. As a result, a quick trip to your dentist’s office can often pinpoint the issue and get you back on track sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
Our team at Super Dental of Fitchburg goes above and beyond to be super in every way: super convenient, super comfortable, super safe, and super in quality. Both Dr. Lemoine and Dr. Kamil are passionate about helping patients in and around Fitchburg enjoy a pain-free smile and bite. So, if you’re struggling with jaw pain on only one side of your mouth, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (978) 342-8500.