Your two temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on both sides of your face, just in front of each ear. Pain in one of them can make you wonder, “Why does my jaw hurt on one side?” This can be a frustrating experience as you use your jaw every day for chewing and talking. So, let’s find a solution.
What Is Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain can be versatile. It can indicate something as simple as a toothache or as serious as a heart attack. Your jawbone called the mandible, connects to your skull at two joints known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints are located just in front of your ears. They allow you to open and close your mouth.
Potential Causes of Jaw Pain on One Side
There are several reasons why your jaw might hurt on one side. These include inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or dental issues. Mild jaw pain is often temporary and usually goes away on its own. However, more serious causes, like arthritis, can need medical treatment.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs)
TMDs affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which connect your lower jaw to your skull. It also joins the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Around 31% of adults and 11% of children have TMD, making it a common cause of one-sided jaw pain. TMD pain can affect one or both sides of the jaw, ranging from mild to severe. The cause of TMD is often unknown, but factors like jaw injury, misalignment, or autoimmune conditions like arthritis can increase your risk. - Dental Conditions
Dental issues like braces, gum disease, or cavities can cause one-sided jaw pain. The pain can feel throbbing, sharp, or radiating. Common dental-related causes include: - Toothache: Cavities, infections, or cracked teeth can cause pain that radiates to the jaw.
- Wisdom Teeth Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to jaw pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can affect the jawbone and cause pain.
- Misaligned Jaw or Teeth: Overbites, underbites, and other misalignments can strain the jaw and cause discomfort.
- Sinusitis
Sinusitis (sinus infection) can cause inflammation that radiates pain to the jaw, typically felt as pressure around the cheeks and forehead. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, headache, and facial tenderness. - Injury
Jaw injuries from falls, accidents, or dental procedures can cause pain on one side. Common injuries include jaw fractures and dislocations. They lead to symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the jaw. - Infection
Infections in or around the jaw, such as gum infections, tooth abscesses, ear infections, or osteomyelitis (jawbone infection), can cause throbbing jaw pain, especially when chewing. - Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe, stabbing pain on one side of the face, including the jaw, due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve. Triggers for pain can include talking, smiling, brushing teeth, and even wind exposure.
Concluding Thoughts
Jaw pains are usually harmless and don’t stick around for long. However, they can sometimes be severe enough to disrupt your routine. The point where you stop and think, “Why does my jaw hurt on one side.” A proper diagnosis from your dentist can help you rule out the actual reason.
Visit Dr. Ayesha Muzaffar at iCare4Smiles. Our skilled dentist provides all-inclusive dental care without a hefty price tag. Dial (732) 800-9524 for an appointment.