What is jaw pain?
Jaw pain is a broad term that describes the conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding areas. The TMJ is a hinge joint that connects the mandible (jawbone) to the temporal bone (part of the skull).[1]
The exact cause of jaw pain is sometimes difficult to establish. A combination of factors can contribute to jaw pain, including genetics, age, joint health, and personal history. Jaw pain can be a debilitating condition that can affect eating and speaking. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect approximately 23% of the Australian population.[2] It may also lead to bruxism, grinding or clenching of teeth, causing further pain and dental problems, but this is not always the case.
Jaw pain is temporary in most cases and can be resolved with conservative, non-surgical treatment options. However, in some cases, surgery may be considered.
What are the symptoms of jaw pain?
The symptoms of jaw pain include:
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Pain on one or both sides of the jaw
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Dull aching pain in or near the ear
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‘Locking’ or ‘popping’ in the jaw joint
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Jaw stiffness
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Facial tenderness
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Headaches
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Toothaches
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Bruxism
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Difficulty eating
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Difficulty speaking.
Other symptoms include neck or shoulder pain, dizziness, hearing problems, and tinnitus (ringing ears).
What causes jaw pain?
Many factors contribute to jaw pain. Dysfunction of the TMJ is the most common cause of jaw pain. It can also develop from an injury, dental issues, arthritis or joint abnormalities, and even stress.
1. Temporomandibular joint disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder affects millions of people worldwide. The TMJ is a sliding hinge joint located on either side of the jaw and can become painful due to various factors, which sometimes occur at the same time. The symptoms of TMD include jaw tenderness, earache, jaw clicking or locking, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw.
The causes of TMD include:
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Trauma or injury to the TMJ
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Damage to the cartilage that cushions the TMJ
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Arthritis or joint degeneration
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Overstimulation of the jaw joint
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Bruxism – teeth grinding and clenching
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Jaw tension from stress or anxiety
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Joint misalignment, such as from genetics, disease, or other conditions.
2. Sinusitis
The sinuses around the nose, commonly known as the paranasal sinuses, are air-filled cavities in the cranial bones. Most people have four sinuses. If these sinus cavities become inflamed or infected, the body mounts an immune response. This often results in excess mucous production, increasing the internal pressure in these areas. This pressure can cause pain in the jaw region. Sinusitis can result from simple allergies or from a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection.
3. Dental issues
Pain experienced in the jaw can also be attributed to dental or oral problems. Conditions such as tooth cavities, wisdom teeth growth, gum disease, tooth decay, or teeth grinding can result in jaw pain. In some cases, dental abscesses can develop in the mouth, which can cause pain to radiate to the jaw.
If the tooth health is severely compromised, these problems may also present alongside fever and swelling. It is essential to call your doctor or dentist immediately if this occurs.
4. Trigeminal neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve innervates the jaw and part of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when this nerve is compressed, inflamed, or infected, causing painful sensations. Symptoms can range from mild to severe shock-like pain in the jaw and face. This disorder requires a medical practitioner to diagnose, and symptoms can sometimes last for a prolonged period.
Other causes of jaw pain
In some rare cases, jaw pain can signify a heart attack, alongside symptoms in other areas, including the chest, arms, neck, and shoulder. This symptom is more common in women than men. A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate assistance, including if this is experienced with chest discomfort and pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, faintness, nausea, or vomiting.
How is jaw pain treated?
Treatment for jaw pain is highly dependent on the cause, there are a number of options available.
Pain relief
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) to help reduce your symptoms. These can be effective at providing short-term relief.
Heat or ice
Heat and ice packs may help relieve the symptoms of jaw pain. These can be applied in a thin cloth or tea towel to the affected area for a few minutes. It is essential to do this correctly to avoid damage or burns to the skin. Heat and ice packs can be purchased at a pharmacy.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy can be used to release tension in the jaw region. Qualified massage therapists can target specific areas, including the jaw, neck, and shoulders, to alleviate symptoms.
Physiotherapy
Specialist physiotherapists can assess and treat certain causes of jaw pain. Targeted exercises or passive therapies can help improve symptoms and address the origin of the pain.
Lifestyle strategies
To help reduce and prevent jaw pain in the long term, it may be helpful to incorporate several lifestyle strategies. These may help reduce stress and jaw clenching.
This may include:
It may also be helpful to avoid triggers, such as chewing hard foods, including meat jerky, bubble gum, ice, or sticky sweets. Caffeine has also been linked to increased muscle tension. Therefore, it may be helpful to reduce caffeine intake to help with jaw pain and symptoms.
Medical treatments
Your doctor will likely recommend trying conservative treatments. However, if the jaw pain persists, they may discuss other options.
Dental treatment
As dental issues can cause jaw pain, your doctor may recommend seeing a dentist. Dentists can assess your oral health and address tooth decay, gum disease, or other contributing factors to jaw pain.
Your dentist may custom-fit a mouthguard to help prevent grinding or clenching. The mouthguard may only need to be worn overnight and may relieve jaw pain and symptoms.
Muscle relaxers
In cases where the jaw pain doesn’t respond to other treatment options, your dentist and doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers. These medications can help relieve the jaw tension that contributes to jaw pain. This will only be appropriate for specific conditions and may not be effective for all types of jaw pain.
Botox injections
Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may use Botox injections in the jaw muscles or surrounding areas. When injected into the target area, Botox blocks the nerve signals to the muscles and can help the muscles to relax. This can help reduce symptoms of jaw clenching and jaw pain. Botox injections can last for several months.
Jaw surgery
In rare cases, your doctor may suggest a review with a surgeon. Jaw surgery can help correct some of the causes of jaw pain, such as structural problems or damage from an injury. This is a more invasive option and is usually reserved for people with persistent and severe pain or jaw pain that has not responded to conservative treatment.
Key takeaways
Jaw pain has many causes, but the most common cause is TMD. There are various treatment options for jaw pain, including massage and pain relief medications. It is essential to discuss any symptoms with a health practitioner.
