You wake up one morning to discover you’re experiencing jaw pain on one side of your face. What could be the cause, and should you be worried? It’s natural to worry about a sudden onset of discomfort in this facial region, especially when it manifests only on one side, so what can you do? Before jumping to conclusions, consider these three reasons why this problem can occur and when you should plan to see your emergency dentist.
3 Reasons Jaw Pain Might Only Occur on One Side
Jaw pain of any kind can be debilitating if left untreated. It’s important that you speak to an emergency dentist to find out what might be the problem and learn what you can do to achieve relief. If the discomfort is only occurring on side of your face, there are a few reasons this can happen:
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder – Also known as TMD, this occurs when the joint that connects your jaw to the base of your skull (TMJ) becomes inflamed or damaged. When it is no longer properly aligned, it can cause unnecessary pressure and tension to build in this area, resulting in pain and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. You might even notice earaches and a clicking or popping noise when trying to eat. Although it commonly occurs on both sides, it can develop only on one side of the face.
- An Infection (Abscess) – When a tooth becomes severely decayed or damaged as a result of poor oral hygiene or facial trauma, an abscess can form. This type of infection can be life-threatening if neglected. But it is unlikely you will allow it to fester, as the pain can be increasingly difficult to bear. You may also experience sensitivity and sores that develop near the infected tooth. Fever and facial swelling can also occur.
- Sinus Congestion – When the weather changes or other environmental factors trigger sinus congestion, you may notice increased discomfort on one side of your jaw. As the sinus cavity becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and swelling that radiates throughout the face. It may feel as if you have a serious toothache as well. Usually, it will clear up on its own, but if symptoms persist, you’ll need to see your dentist.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
While you should see your emergency dentist the moment you notice pain forming, you might wonder if it’s necessary. Some of the clearest signs you should get in for an appointment sooner rather than later include:
- Earaches and pain throughout the face, shoulders, and neck
- Difficulty eating or breathing
- Clicking or popping noise when trying to open and close your mouth
- Oral sores that do not heal
- Bad breath that cannot be treated with mouthwash
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Tooth pain that lasts longer than a day or two
- Bleeding gums
- Facial swelling and/or fever
- Lumps or lesions inside the mouth
Do not discount your jaw pain. With help from a trusted and skilled dental professional, you can address the problem in a timely manner and get back to enjoying your best life without feelings of discomfort.
About the Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, we understand the difficulties that can arise when jaw pain exists. Instead of putting off an appointment, though, we encourage you to call our office and let our qualified team examine the issue and provide the necessary treatment. Using safe and effective solutions, we can mitigate the problem and help you embrace a better quality of life. If you are experiencing intense jaw discomfort, visit our website or call (845) 675-1512.