How jaw pain feels can differ, and the sensation can also depend on the cause. Types of pain that can arise in the jaw include tenderness, aching, and feeling an electric shock-like pain radiating through one side of the face through the jaw.
There are many causes of jaw pain, ranging from mild to severe, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, dental abscesses, heart disease, and heart attacks.
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What’s Causing Your Jaw Pain?
There are several common causes of jaw pain, all requiring different therapy interventions. They include:
- Tempormandibluar joint disorder (TMD)
- Bruxism (tooth grinding and/or clenching)
- Dental issues, including gum disease, tooth abscesses, a cracked tooth, or a cavity
- Infections of the head and neck
- Injuries to the face or jaw
- Temporal arteritis (an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the blood vessels)
- Cluster headaches
Other conditions can cause jaw pain to develop. These can include:
- Heart disease or heart attacks
- Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s disease, and lupus
- Trigeminal neuralgia, which affects how you experience facial sensations due to issues with the trigeminal nerve
- Loss of blood supply to the jaw bone, known as osteonecrosis of the jaw
- Certain types of cancer, including oral cancer
Accompanying Symptoms
Depending on the cause, jaw pain can be accompanied by other symptoms. including:
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Feeling or hearing a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when moving the jaw
- Pain in the head, neck, ears, eyes, or teeth
- Feeling like the jaw is out of position or stuck in an odd position
- Uneven bite
Heart Attacks and Jaw Pain
If a person has a heart attack and experiences jaw pain, they will likely also experience other symptoms alongside the pain, such as:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
How Jaw Pain Is Diagnosed
To diagnose the cause of jaw pain, a healthcare provider will collect a medical and lifestyle history and ask questions about the type of pain you are experiencing and any accompanying symptoms. They will also conduct a physical exam to check for clicking or popping sounds or misaligned teeth, which could indicate structural changes within the jaw.
Imaging tests typically help diagnose the condition, but they are only done if a definitive diagnosis can’t be reached through physical examinations alone. Types of imaging used to diagnose jaw pain include:
Medical Treatment Options
The medical treatment options for jaw pain will depend on the cause. Dental treatments may include addressing gum disease, filling a cavity, or draining a tooth abscess.
If TMD is causing your jaw pain, your healthcare provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Other medications that can help TMD include:
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Muscle relaxers
TMD may also require surgical procedures to improve the health of the joint and reduce jaw pain.
The other causes and their potential treatments include:
- Treating an infection with antibiotics
- Healing an injury
- Using chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
- Surgery to remove any abnormal growths or tumors or to correct issues within the jaw
- Medications geared toward specific diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disease, and osteonecrosis
- Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) to prevent you from tensing your jaw muscles
Jaw Pain and Heart Attack Treatment
Treating a heart attack (myocardial infarction) fast is of the utmost importance. Jaw pain can be a warning sign of a heart attack when it occurs with other symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with jaw pain, head to your nearest emergency department:
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Tips for Immediate Relief
You can try at-home care techniques when looking for immediate relief from jaw pain. They can include:
- Apply a warm, damp washcloth or ice pack to the area.
- Take a provider-recommended over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever.
- Massage the jaw joint.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation.
- Try jaw exercises.
- Avoid activities that require you to forcefully move your jaw, such as yelling, yawning, eating large bites of food, eating crunchy or hard foods, and chewing gum.
- Stop participating in bad habits that worsen the pain, such as nail biting, chewing on the lips or cheeks, or clenching or grinding your teeth.
How to Prevent Pain During Recovery
Some steps you can take to prevent jaw pain from worsening include:
- Avoid activities that require you to move your jaw.
- Stop participating in bad habits that worsen the pain. (yawning, eating crunchy or hard foods, chewing gum, etc).
- Avoid caffeine.
- Use a mouthguard that has been specifically fitted to you.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Other symptoms alongside jaw pain that should warrant a visit to your healthcare provider include:
- Severe pain
- New pain
- Pain in the chest
Summary
Jaw pain can be difficult to cope with. Typically, jaw pain can be attributed to conditions such as TMD, but in some cases, it could be a warning sign of a heart attack. Knowing what’s driving it makes you better equipped to seek proper care. You should see your healthcare provider if the pain is severe and worsens over time or you hear noises when you move your jaw, such as popping, clicking, or locking.
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Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Jaw pain encompasses a range of sensations and can vary significantly depending on its underlying cause. Individuals may experience tenderness, aching, or even a shock-like feeling that radiates through the jaw to one side of the face.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain
There are numerous potential sources of jaw pain, with varying degrees of severity. The following are some of the most prevalent causes:
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD)
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, or tooth abscesses
- Infections in the head or neck region
- Facial or jaw injuries
- Temporal arteritis, which involves inflammation of blood vessels
- Cluster headaches
Additionally, several other conditions can manifest as jaw pain, including:
- Heart disease or heart attacks
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Trigeminal neuralgia, impacting facial sensory experiences
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw, resulting from blood supply loss
- Certain cancers, including oral cancer
Associated Symptoms
Jaw pain may accompany various symptoms that can provide clues to its cause:
- Difficulty in opening the mouth or chewing food
- A clicking, popping, or grinding sound during jaw movement
- Pain extending to the head, neck, ears, or teeth
- A sensation of the jaw being misaligned or immobilized
- An uneven bite
Jaw Pain and Heart Attacks
Jaw pain can sometimes be indicative of a heart attack when experienced alongside other symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosing Jaw Pain
Medical professionals typically conduct a comprehensive medical history assessment along with a physical examination to diagnose jaw pain. This examination includes listening for any unusual sounds from the jaw and evaluating the alignment of teeth.
If necessary, imaging tests may be employed when physical assessments are insufficient to identify the issue.
Treatment Options for Jaw Pain
Treatment strategies are tailored to the underlying cause of jaw pain. Common dental interventions may involve the treatment of gum disease or managing tooth-related issues. If TMD is the culprit, options may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antidepressants to alleviate pain
- Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants
- Surgical options if conservative approaches fail
Other treatments depending on their causes could involve:
- Antibiotic therapy for infections
- Support for injury recovery
- Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
- Surgical interventions for removing growths or addressing structural problems in the jaw
- Medications aimed at treating associated health conditions
- Botox to ease muscle tension
Immediate Relief Strategies
For immediate relief from jaw pain, consider the following home-care techniques:
- Apply a warm, damp washcloth or an ice pack to the affected area.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by a healthcare provider.
- Gently massage the jaw area.
- Engage in stress-reduction practices, such as meditation.
- Perform specific jaw exercises.
- Avoid actions that strain the jaw, such as yelling or biting into hard foods.
- Cease habits like nail-biting that may exacerbate the pain.
Preventing Pain During Recovery
To prevent worsening jaw pain, you might consider these preventive measures:
- Avoid jaw movement-related activities.
- Abstain from caffeine.
- Utilize a custom-fitted mouthguard.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience severe or new pain, especially accompanied by chest pain or other alarming symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. These indications could signify a serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention.
Conclusion
Jaw pain is a common ailment that can stem from various conditions. While it is frequently attributed to TMJ disorders, it may also serve as a warning sign for serious issues, including heart attacks. Recognizing the signs and understanding the underlying causes can guide individuals in seeking appropriate medical care and relief.
