Jaw Pain: My Jaw Hurts, What Should I Do?

Jaw pain, sometimes referred to as mandibular pain, can be a real daily nuisance. Whether you feel it on one side or both at the same time, while chewing, speaking or even at rest, you probably have only one thing on your mind: getting rid of it. To overcome mandibular pain, you must first identify its causes and know the treatments likely to relieve it.

The causes of jaw pain

Mandibular pain can have multiple ENT and dental origins, ranging from joint disorders to infections or nerve damage.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are among the most frequent causes of jaw pain. This joint, located just in front of the ear and connecting the lower jaw to the skull, can become the seat of pain, clicking sounds or locking when chewing. TMDs may be triggered or aggravated by stress, injuries or structural anomalies of the jaw.

Dental problems

Jaw pain can also be associated with various dental issues: the eruption of wisdom teeth, an infection following an untreated cavity, bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding), or even malocclusion (poor tooth alignment likely to cause tension in the jaw).

Sinusitis

Sinusitis — particularly that which affects the maxillary sinuses located in the cheeks area — can cause mandibular pain. If you feel pain at the level of the cheeks or upper teeth accompanied by nasal congestion, it may be a sign that you are suffering from sinusitis.

Trigeminal neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve, transmits sensory information from the face to the brain and controls the muscles of mastication. When it is irritated or compressed, it can cause intense, sharp pain: this is what is called trigeminal neuralgia. The attacks are frequently triggered by gestures as simple as chewing or speaking, and are localized in the lower part of the face, at the level of the cheeks, towards the nose or the jaw.

Mumps and tetanus

Now rare thanks to mandatory vaccination, mumps and tetanus can also cause jaw pain. Mumps result in swelling of the salivary glands, while tetanus can lead to painful contractions of the jaw muscles — a symptom called trismus.

How to relieve mandibular pain?

To relieve the pain in a lasting way and avoid possible complications, you first need to identify its exact cause by consulting a doctor.

Medical treatments

Depending on the diagnosis made by your GP or dentist, different treatments may be offered:

• anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, particularly in cases of TMD or dental problems;
• muscle relaxants, particularly useful in cases of bruxism to relax the jaw muscles;
• orthodontic treatment to correct tooth alignment in case of malocclusion;
• physiotherapy to strengthen and soften the jaw muscles when the TMJ is involved;
• an antibiotic treatment in the presence of an infection (untreated cavity, abscess or sinusitis).

In certain severe forms of TMJ disorder, surgical intervention or injections of botulinum toxin (botox) may also be recommended.

Solutions to ease the pain while waiting for a doctor's appointment

Since the delays for obtaining an appointment with your doctor or dentist can prove relatively long, here are some tips to soothe the pain while waiting for curative treatment:

• apply a warm compress to relax the muscles, or a cold compress to reduce inflammation;
• limit jaw movements: avoid hard foods and don't speak too much in order not to unnecessarily strain the joint;
• massage the muscles around the jaw gently to release tension;
• in case of bruxism, wear an occlusal splint to protect your teeth and reduce the pressure on the jaw.

Whatever the origin of your jaw pain, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene until your appointment to avoid worsening the situation. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a suitable toothpaste and regularly use antibacterial mouthwashes.