Dealing with any type of jaw pain can derail any day. There are many different reasons why you are suffering from sudden jaw pain. We are going to share some of the most reported types of pain in your jaw, and what you should do to alleviate the suffering. In some cases, surgery may be required, but that is usually a last resort.
What Causes Sudden Jaw Pain: Different Types
1. Cluster Headaches
While this might not seem like it could affect your jaw, cluster headaches can cause jaw pain. These headaches affect your eyes and also can migrate down into the jaw region. Not all sudden jaw pain tied to the face or head is a headache, and trigeminal neuralgia can also cause sudden, intense jaw pain. These are one of the most painful types of headaches, and if you suffer from these, you should consult with your doctor. They can help regulate and monitor medications to ensure that your suffering is minimized, and may also recommend consultation with a specialist who provides oral surgery in St. George, UT if they suspect a structural issue in the jaw.
2. Pain in your teeth
Depending on the type of issues that are going on with your teeth, dental issues are a common cause of sudden jaw pain, especially dental infections. If you are suffering from a tooth abscess, this can cause sharp, sudden jaw pain that radiates into your jaw and may lead to severe pain. Other common causes of sudden jaw pain include temporomandibular joint disorders, while dental problems like gum disease, wisdom teeth, or misaligned teeth can create pressure and trigger jaw discomfort as well. With any tooth pain, especially if your jaw hurts, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible, as they may coordinate care with a provider offering oral surgery in Mesquite, NV if surgical treatment is needed. If you have an abscess, it is imperative that you see your dentist quickly, because this type of infection can become serious and cause more significant issues.
3. Sinuses
Sinus infections can cause pain that radiates to the upper jaw. Because of the nasal cavities and their location, pressure can build and affect your jaw. Severe facial swelling, especially around the mouth or jaw, can signal a serious infection and should be evaluated promptly. A visit to your doctor and medication can alleviate the pressure, and in some cases your provider may refer you for specialized oral and facial surgery procedures if structural problems are contributing to chronic sinus-related jaw pain.
4. Temporomandibular
Joint and muscle disorders – commonly known as TMJ, are a common cause of sudden jaw pain, and this kind of discomfort can also stem from dental issues and muscle tension. While there are some different causes for the pain, pressure and tenderness may be felt in the upper jaw, and doctors and dentists can help with the alleviation of your symptoms. Tell your dentist on your next visit about the pain and any symptoms that you are experiencing. TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is the most common reason for sudden jaw pain, though the exact cause is not always clear. About 1 in 8 people have a TMJ disorder, and approximately 11–12 million adults in the U.S. experience TMJ pain. TMJ disorders are twice as common in women than men. It can affect the jaw joint, jaw muscles, and the muscles that help control jaw movement. Other symptoms may include jaw clicking, headaches, and neck pain. Common triggers include grinding, clenching, stress, rheumatoid arthritis, and injuries, and joint inflammation can make the jaw feel stiff. Mild discomfort may improve with warm compresses, over-the-counter medication, avoiding gum chewing, eating soft foods or soft foods that put less strain on the area, and performing simple jaw exercises for TMJ pain as recommended by your provider. For stress- or clenching-related tension, relaxation techniques may also help. Care should focus on finding the underlying cause rather than only treating symptoms, and understanding the role of an oral surgeon in overall health and wellness can help you appreciate how jaw issues connect to your general well-being. If symptoms continue, treatment options may include oral appliances, physical therapy, and other following treatments to relieve pain as part of a broader jaw pain treatment plan. A sudden inability to open or close the mouth needs urgent evaluation by a healthcare provider. Routine evaluation is also advised if pain lasts several days, keeps coming back, or pain on one side continues. Some of the more reported ones are:
- Grinding of teeth
- Injuries to your jaw
- Stress
- Arthritis in your jaw, and following tips to keep your jaw healthy as you age can further reduce your risk of ongoing problems.
5. Heart Attack
While many are aware of the more common signs of a heart attack, pain in your jaw is one of the warning signs. Jaw pain can happen as referred pain, meaning the problem starts elsewhere. It may come with chest pain, or it may be the only symptom. Heart attacks cause significant pain increases in different parts of your body, and the jaw is no exception. If you ever feel that you are suffering from a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Contact us today, learn more about our oral surgery practice, and discover how working with a board-certified oral surgeon in St. George and Mesquite can help keep your smile bright and your jaw pain-free!