Jaw pain on one side of your face can make everyday activities like eating, speaking, or yawning uncomfortable to say the least. Sometimes the cause is minor, like temporary muscle strain. In other cases, one-sided jaw pain can be a sign of an urgent dental problem that needs prompt attention. Below, you’ll find more on possible causes to help you decide when it’s time to call your dentist.
Tooth Infection or Abscess
A dental infection is one possible cause of pain that can be felt in the jaw. An infected tooth may cause a persistent or throbbing ache, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, or swelling around the tooth or jaw.
A dental abscess can become a serious problem if the infection spreads. If you have facial or jaw swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, skip the dentist and seek urgent medical attention.
Tooth Damage or Decay
A cracked, broken, or severely decayed tooth can cause pain that seems to spread into the surrounding jaw. You may notice increased discomfort when chewing or sensitivity to temperature.
If a tooth suddenly breaks or becomes extremely painful, an emergency dentist can evaluate the damage and determine whether treatment such as a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction may be necessary.
TMJ Problems
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your jawbone to your skull. Problems involving these joints can cause pain on one or both sides of the jaw. You may also experience clicking, popping, stiffness, headaches, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can contribute to muscle and joint discomfort. Your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to
Wisdom Teeth
An impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth can cause pain toward the back of the jaw. Irritation, inflammation, or infection around the tooth may also lead to swelling, bad taste, or difficulty opening your mouth.
An emergency dentist can determine whether the wisdom tooth needs treatment or whether another issue is responsible for your symptoms.
Gum Problems
Advanced gum disease can cause tenderness, swelling, bleeding, and discomfort around the teeth. If the problem is concentrated on one side, an infection or localized dental issue may be responsible.
If you do recognize these symptoms, it’s important you don’t ignore them. Severe gum disease can eventually lead to serious complications like tooth loss.
When is Jaw Pain an Emergency?
Contact an emergency dentist promptly if your jaw pain is:
- Severe.
- Sudden.
- Worsening.
- Accompanied by swelling, a broken tooth, significant bleeding, or difficulty eating.
Seek immediate medical attention if jaw pain occurs with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, or neck. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a medical emergency rather than a dental problem.
One-sided jaw pain has many possible causes, and symptoms alone cannot always identify the source. If your discomfort persists, worsens, or interferes with normal activities, an emergency dentist can examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite to determine the appropriate next step. Getting the cause evaluated promptly can help prevent a manageable dental problem from becoming more serious.
About the Author
Dr. John White proudly serves the dental needs of the community he was born and raised in: Asheville, North Carolina. He earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina and through dedication to ongoing education and training obtained Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment achieved by less than 1 percent of dentists. If you need emergency dental care, call Dr. White’s office at (828) 684-3020 to schedule a same-day appointment or reach out online.