Why Does Only One Side of My Jaw Hurt?

While the sudden appearance of jaw pain is not usually serious, it can be a sign of an underlying oral or overall health issue in some cases. However, your discomfort may seem especially strange or disconcerting if it happens on only one side of your mouth. Here’s a brief guide to a few of the possible causes of one-sided jaw pain and when you should seek help from your emergency dentist.

TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the complicated hinge that attaches your jaw to your skull. This joint allows the jaw to enjoy the wide range of movement necessary for speech and chewing. However, if any of the parts of this complex joint become unbalanced or fall out of alignment, it can cause issues like trouble chewing, pain in the mouth, head, or neck, and popping and clicking while moving the jaw. While TMJ pain isn’t usually a dental emergency, it’s best to discuss the problem with your dentist if the pain is severe or if it lasts a long time.

Sinusitis

The sinuses are the cavities within the face that serve to filter and cool air before it enters the lungs, and inflammation within them is called sinusitis. While this issue is a common symptom of a cold, it can also be caused by medical conditions such as allergies or strep throat. Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses behind your cheeks may lead to pain in one or both sides of the jaw. While sinusitis usually goes away on its own, it’s best to consult with a doctor if the problem persists for more than ten days.

Dental Health Issues

Sometimes, pain on one side of the jaw is caused by an underlying oral health issue such as:

• Cavities
• A dental abscess
• Emerging wisdom teeth
• Advanced gum disease or tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Dental misalignments
• Teeth grinding

Severe dental infections can be dental emergencies. Look for symptoms like gum recession or bleeding, a soft, warm bump on your gums, throbbing pain in your tooth, or signs of infection such as fever, fatigue, or a foul taste in your mouth.

While jaw pain usually goes away without treatment, it can be a sign of a more serious issue if it persists. Seeking help from your emergency dentist may be the best way to restore your comfort and preserve your oral health.

About the Practice

Collins St Dental of Arlington offers outstanding oral care services to the people of Arlington. Led by Drs. Prashantkumar Gajera and Shitalben Patel, the staff ensures that each patient receives compassionate care and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentist. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, dial (817) 524-6654. To learn more about what causes jaw pain, contact the office online.