Why Does My Jaw Hurt on One Side?

Jaw soreness is irritating and has the potential to make someone uncomfortable. But what’s even worse is that it can become unbearable and potentially even dangerous if you leave it untreated.

In some instances, your jaw hurting on one side can be an indicator of a real problem. If this is true, your best option is to get an exam followed by a diagnosis so that you can seek appropriate treatment. There is a range of reasons why your jaw may be sore on one side, but the good news is that there are also solutions.

Jaw Soreness and TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD, is a leading cause of jaw soreness. The temporomandibular joint connects to the skull on both sides of the face at the rear of the jaw. When dysfunction occurs in this joint, these bones or the muscles and ligaments inside those bones might be to blame. 

TMJ disorders can cause earaches, toothaches, facial pain, headaches, swelling, and jaw soreness. Individuals with TMD might also experience locking, crackling, and popping of the jaw, which can be very uncomfortable. TMD might also cause jaw pain to be limited to one side, especially if someone is consistently a side sleeper. 

When the jaw dysfunction gets particularly bad, TMJ disorders can cause potential flare-ups near the jaw. This might result from trauma, arthritis, or even a jaw-related injury. Since various causes can contribute to this condition, getting treatment for TMJ is essential if you suspect you have it.

Other Factors that May Cause Jaw Soreness

You might still be thinking, “Why does my jaw hurt on one side?” You might especially be wondering this if you have already seen a specialist and a TMJ disorder has been ruled out. While TMD is a common cause of jaw discomfort, it’s certainly not the only reason someone might struggle with this type of pain. 

Sinusitis can be another cause of jaw soreness. Depending on where you have the most pressure, inflammation, and nasal congestion within the nasal cavities, this can cause one-sided jaw pain. Jaw pain on one side can also result from a sinus infection that has spread beyond the sinus cavity. 

Another source of one-sided jaw pain is complex dental issues. If someone has a cavity that has progressed to the point of an infection, they are likely to experience more severe pain issues. When the condition is left untreated, it is expected to spread beyond the tooth to nearby structures such as the jaw bone. This will cause jaw pain on one side, which usually corresponds with the side of the mouth where the cavity originated. The infection is often more challenging to manage when this occurs, so it’s essential to act quickly to treat simple dental issues such as cavities.

Cluster headaches are another cause of jaw pain. You might wonder how this could make your face hurt on one side, but cluster headaches that begin in the vicinity of one eye can often radiate down to the jaw and other parts of the face.

Sleep apnea may cause jaw pain similar to TMD. Sleep apnea causes the airway to collapse while sleeping, leading the lower jaw to move forward or clench. This awkward positioning may cause tension in the jaw muscles.

Treating your Jaw Pain

Treatment for jaw pain will depend on the cause, but a range of options can assist with easing discomfort and improving the quality of someone’s sleep. Some of the most effective treatment options include:

• Using a TMJ oral appliance: A TMJ splint or oral appliance such as a mouthguard is often the best way to manage jaw pain that results from TMJ, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and other similar concerns. This places the jaw in a neutral position that protects the joint from damaging positioning.
• Muscle relaxers: If your jaw pain results from excess muscle tension or TMJ, there are medications you can take. These can help relieve that tension and the jaw pain that has resulted.
• Hot and cold packs: This is an excellent way to ease pain at home. Hot packs are recommended when there is no inflammation, and the pain is muscular. Cold packs are better when there is swelling alongside pain. It’s important to note that these are short-term solutions for pain and should not be used in place of medical treatment for jaw pain.
• Massage: You can gently massage your jaw in front of the ear to relieve muscular tension. Again, this should be a short-term fix, but it can supplement other treatments.
• Physical Therapy: TMJ-specific physical therapy, stretches, and exercises can help ease the pain and increase the range of motion and blood flow to the joint, promoting faster healing.

Get Jaw Pain Treatment

As you can see, there are many potential causes of jaw pain. These can lead someone to experience a lot of discomfort and anxiety that can develop into poor sleep, difficulty chewing, trouble talking, and more. Whether someone’s jaw pain is due to TMJ, sinusitis, dental concerns, or other medical conditions, it is vital to address it sooner rather than later.

It’s best to seek care from a dentist with experience treating TMJ disorders. Dr. Phillips is an expert in Orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine so she can offer comprehensive care. Once you obtain an official diagnosis for jaw discomfort, she will discuss the treatment options. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!