Having a sore jaw can be annoying, especially if one side has a good deal of soreness. The following information explains why you may experience this type of discomfort on only one side.
Jaw Soreness and TMJ
According to the site, Healthline, jaw pain that is exclusive to one side can result from TMJ or another dental problem. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects the jaw joint that connects the skull and jaw. If the disc that helps the jaw move becomes misaligned or damaged, you can experience pain on one or both sides of the jaw.
Besides jaw soreness, you may also get an earache or notice a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth. Moreover, you may experience difficulties opening and closing your mouth if the joint happens to lock. Reasons for TMJ may include bruxism (clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually while sleeping), arthritis, tooth misalignment, tissue damage, a jaw injury or infection, or damage to the cartilage in the jaw joint.
Other Oral Health Concerns that Lead to Jaw Soreness
Pain on one side of the jaw can also be the result of an abscessed tooth, the emergence of wisdom teeth, the formation of cavities, gum disease, and missing and misaligned teeth. If these types of issues are causing jaw pain, you may also experience additional symptoms, such as the following: intermittent tooth pain, bleeding or painful gums, mouth sores, persistent dry mouth or halitosis, or pain while swallowing or chewing. If you experience a fever and severe tooth pain, you may have an abscess.
Schedule an Appointment
Jaw pain should be investigated immediately. While sinusitis may be the blame in some cases, the problem can result from a more severe condition. Give us a call at (608) 960-7650 if you experience jaw soreness. We will diagnose the underlying cause so the problem can be addressed and treated.
Dental Blog | Madison Oral Surgery and Dental Implants The doctors at Madison Oral Surgery and Dental Implants have provided this blog to help our patients and the community. We hope our blog will cover the many topics that you and your family may be interested in. Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, 2921 Landmark Place, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713 / (608) 960-7650 / madisonoralsurgeons.com / 10/1/2023 / Key Phrases: Oral Surgeon, Dental Implants, All on 4, Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Having a sore jaw can be annoying, especially if one side has a good deal of soreness. The following information explains why you may experience this type of discomfort on only one side.