Deciphering Tooth Jaw Pain
There are two main parts to the jaw bone, the maxilla, and the mandible. The jaw is used throughout the day for talking, chewing, biting, and any functional movement involving the mouth. Tooth jaw pain can be debilitating to your quality of life. Understanding the origin of tooth jaw pain can help you choose what remedy works best for you.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Tooth Jaw Pain
Signs of Tooth Jaw Pain:
- Uncomfortable popping and clicking of the jaw when moving
- Jaw deviating to one side
- Limited opening and closing of the mouth
- Jaw locks shut when opened or closed
- Pain in the cheek muscles
- Forehead and temple headaches
- Triggered migraines
- Ear pain with no present infection
- Impaired hearing
- Pain behind the eyes
- Stiffness in the neck
- Limited mobility in the neck
Common Causes of Tooth Jaw Pain
Teeth Grinding
Clenching and Grinding can lead to tooth jaw pain. The continual force from these repetitive movements can anger the ligaments around the teeth and jaw making them inflamed. This can cause increased pressure around the teeth until they have time to relax. To learn more about clenching and grinding, check out our Teeth Grinding article.
Teething
Erupting baby and adult teeth can cause pressure in the mouth and around the jaw. Teething can also cause children to grind and clench their teeth. Symptoms will subside when the tooth is finished erupting through the bone and gums.
Wisdom Teeth Pain
Another form of teething, wisdom teeth can cause tooth jaw pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pressure when trying to erupt. In many cases, wisdom teeth aren’t in the correct position to properly erupt or there isn’t enough space in the mouth. Talk to your dental home to set you up with a consult with an oral surgeon.
TMD and TMJ Involvement
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, includes any dysfunction or disability of the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints work with muscles and ligaments to rotate and slide in front of the ears to provide jaw functions like swallowing, talking, and yawning.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a chronic condition that affects the gums and surrounding bone structure. Bacterial inflammation in these areas can cause pressure and lead to tooth jaw pain. Our Gum Disease Guide can help you learn more about this chronic disease.
Untreated Cavities
When decay is left untreated, the cavity will spread to the nerve of the tooth. Tooth infections will form an abscess at the root of the tooth and cause pressure and tooth jaw pain. Our article How Tooth Infections Spread has additional information on untreated cavities. Contact your dental office right away to prevent any further illnesses.
Sinusitis
The sinus cavity is right above the top arch of the teeth. Congestion and sinus inflammation can cause pressure on the roots of the top teeth creating a toothache. This can also lead to clenching and grinding.
Rare Causes for Tooth Jaw Pain
Osteomyelitis
This is an infection in the jaw bone caused by bacteria. Although very uncommon, it can come after dental surgeries, mouth injuries, or an infection in the mouth. This will cause tooth jaw pain and can eventually cause bone death.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
A chronic condition that involves the Trigeminal nerve. This nerve carries sensation to the brain and face and can cause spontaneous tooth jaw pain. Any mild stimulation to the face or mouth can trigger a painful response.
Tumor or Cysts
Odontoma, Ameloblastoma, or Dentigerous Cysts can all cause tooth jaw pain. While growing, they can cause permanent damage to the bone, gum tissue, and teeth. Routine x-rays at the dentist are important to screen for any tumors or cysts.
Relieving Tooth Jaw Pain
- Heat: Applying heat can help relax your muscles and can help relieve aches and stiffness. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Cold compresses: The cool temperature can help relieve pain and reduce any present swelling in the muscles or tissue.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain temporarily until you can see your dental or medical professional.
- Reduce Jaw Movement: Limit jaw movement by not opening wide and minimize talking when possible. Sticking with a soft food diet can help give your jaw and surrounding muscles a break.
- Massage: Massage therapy can help release pain and tension in your jaw. Find a therapist that specializes in this field.
- Adjust Sleeping Position: Sleeping on the same side and sleeping with your hand under your face puts pressure on your facial muscles. Alternating sleeping positions can help alleviate your jaw and muscles.
- Minimize Stressful Situations: Stress can increase the grinding or clenching of your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bad tooth cause jaw pain?
Extensive cavities can cause a painful sensation in the mouth that radiates to the jaw. A tooth infection can also cause pain. Consult your dentist if you think you have an infection in your mouth to prevent any further damage.
How do you know if your jaw hurts from a toothache?
Jaw pain can be caused by a number of things. If you have radiating jaw pain that leads to a tooth, you may have an infection. Contact your dental team as soon as you can to identify the issue.
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