Feeling any sort of discomfort is something that hardly anyone wants to deal with. This is especially true if it’s your jaw that is hurting! It makes it harder to enjoy your favorite foods, but what if the pain is only happening on one side of your face? This may leave you with more questions than answers, so keep reading to learn some of the culprits of it and when it’s a dental emergency.
Why Am I Having One-Sided Jaw Pain?
While the exact reason for your jaw discomfort can only be found out through a consultation with a professional, there are some common causes, such as:
- Dental Abscess: If you have an infected tooth, then you may have a pocket of pus that can occur in the gums nearby. It’s often paired with swelling or a fever, so getting it treated right away is crucial.
- Injury or Trauma to Your Face: Accidental falls or sports can lead to a facial blow. While your jaw may ache afterward, if it feels weird without getting better, then you should visit your local ER (if you believe it’s broken) or dentist (if it’s tooth-related).
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: This condition involves the jaw joint, where they feel sore or tender. It can happen because of stress, teeth clenching or grinding, and arthritis, to name a few.
- Sinus Infection: When your sinus cavities are inflamed, the pressure can sometimes radiate down one side of your face.
Is My Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?
While the conditions above are not the most pleasant to deal with, calling your dentist to get relief may be what’s best for you. This is especially true if the discomfort you feel is:
- Getting worse, and you have swelling in your face or jaw
- Causing you to have difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Showing signs of infection, such as pus or redness
- Paired with fever or chills
Once you are at your visit, your dentist will be able to find the underlying cause and give you the treatment you need. Some solutions may be getting rid of an infected tooth or giving you a nightguard to help protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. In the end, if you are unsure, then calling them with any concerns can help give you the confidence you need to get back to a problem-free grin.
About the Author
Dr. Phillip Johnson earned his dental degree from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. He understands how jaw pain and other dental emergencies can spring up out of nowhere, so he has same-day appointments available. Through quick and effective treatments, you can get the relief that you deserve. If you are dealing with one-sided jaw pain, the fastest way to contact his office is by calling (972) 723-3567.