Why Does Only One Side of My Jaw Hurt?

There are many different things that can cause our jaw to become sore. After all, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most complex joint in your whole body, meaning it’s susceptible to a variety of ailments and issues. That said, sometimes jaw pain can actually only affect one side of your jaw! But what does this mean and what should you do about it? Keep reading to learn more from your dentist in Phillipsburg about what causes jaw pain on only one side of your mouth and why seeking treatment is a wise option.

Potential Reasons for Jaw Pain on One Side

There are several potential reasons for jaw pain on just one side of your mouth, which sometimes makes the source difficult to pinpoint. That said, here are the three most common causes:

• TMJ disorder – Since your TMJ plays an integral role in moving your jaw, you might experience pain or discomfort if the joint becomes inflamed or damaged in some way. Issues known to play a part in TMJ disorders include arthritis, bruxism, tissue damage, bite misalignment and more.
• Sinusitis – A common cold, allergies, and certain medical ailments are all heralds of sinusitis. This condition is characterized by irritated sinus cavities that result in facial swelling and pain, difficulty smelling and tasting, fatigue, and more. This condition typically clears up on its own.
• Dental health issues – There’s also always the possibility that your pain stems from something relating to your teeth or gums. For example, a cavity, abscessed tooth, gum disease, or even bruxism can all result in intense pain on one side of your mouth.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Even though sudden pain on one side of your jaw can be alarming, it usually isn’t too serious. That said, you should not prolong treatment if you’re experiencing pain! If your jaw pain is infrequent and isn’t debilitating, you can manage it with over-the-counter painkillers or an ice pack until your next dental checkup. But on the other hand, if you’re experiencing persistent soreness and you feel as though your symptoms are getting worse, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to come up with an appropriate treatment plan and course of action after you’ve informed them of the situation.

Jaw pain can be unpleasant, but fortunately, it’s also something that can easily be addressed in most cases! If you’re concerned about jaw pain on only one side of your mouth, there’s no reason to panic; a quick trip to the dentist’s office will often pinpoint the issue.

About the Practice

The team at DeMartino Dental Group is proud to provide an elite level of dental care for patients and families in the Phillipsburg, NJ area. The practice is owned and operated by the awesome husband-wife team of Dr. Jeffrey R. DeMartino and Dr. Nelida Garcia-DeMartino, who both have several years of experience and expertise in a wide variety of fields. If you have any questions or concerns about jaw pain or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact the practice online or over the phone: (908) 859-5260.