Feeling pain on just one side of your jaw can be confusing and even a little scary. You may wonder if it’s something serious or if it will go away on its own. While jaw pain on one side isn’t always an emergency, it’s important to understand the potential causes and know when to seek care from your dentist to protect your oral health.
Possible Causes of One-Sided Jaw Pain
Several factors can cause jaw pain on one side, including:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD): Your jaw joint can become inflamed or misaligned, causing pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth. TMJ discomfort often affects one side more than the other.
- Dental Issues: A cavity, cracked tooth, or dental abscess can lead to localized jaw pain on the side of the affected tooth.
- Sinus Infections: Your sinus cavities are located near your upper jaw. If you have a sinus infection, you may feel pressure or aching in your upper jaw on one side.
- Injury or Trauma: A recent fall or blow to the face can lead to lingering pain on one side of your jaw.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can strain the jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain on one or both sides.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the jaw joint, sometimes causing pain on one side.
When to See a Dentist
While mild jaw pain may go away with rest and home care, there are situations when you should contact your dentist promptly:
- The pain is severe or worsening.
- You have difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- You notice swelling on one side of your face or jaw.
- You have a fever along with jaw pain, which may indicate an infection.
- You hear popping or clicking in your jaw that is accompanied by pain.
If your jaw pain is due to a dental emergency such as an abscess or cracked tooth, seeking care quickly can prevent further complications and ease your discomfort. Your dentist may recommend treatment options such as TMJ therapy, a nightguard for bruxism, or restorative dental care depending on the underlying cause.
Home Care Tips for Jaw Pain
While you wait for your dental appointment, you may find relief with:
- Applying a warm compress to the affected side.
- Eating soft foods to avoid additional strain.
- Gently massaging the jaw muscles.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers if recommended by your doctor or dentist.
However, these are temporary solutions, and it’s best to see your dentist to address the root cause of your jaw pain and prevent it from worsening.
Jaw pain on one side can be managed effectively when you know what to look for and when to seek care.
About the Practice
Cosmetic Coast Dental Spa in Wilmington, NC, offers comprehensive dental care in a relaxing, spa-like environment to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Our practice provides TMJ treatment, emergency dental care, and a full range of cosmetic and restorative services to meet your dental needs with advanced technology and a personalized approach. The team is dedicated to making your dental visits comfortable while delivering high-quality care for your oral health.
Call us at (910) 777-5023 or request an appointment online.