Jaw Pain on One Side of Your Face? Here are 3 Common Causes

Few things are more stressful than spending your day anxious about an unexplained ache or pain. Do I have a serious illness? Did I break something or catch something? Why are there so many potential and scary causes listed online? If you woke up with jaw pain on just one side of your face, this likely does not mean that you are in imminent danger. However, it may mean that you should schedule an emergency dental appointment or talk to your primary care provider. Here are three of the most common causes of jaw pain on one side, related symptoms, and what you can do about it. 

1—Sinusitis and Swelling 

You may have developed sinusitis after contracting the common cold or dealing with seasonal allergies. Sinusitis inflames your nasal cavities and often causes congestion. When your sinuses are swollen, you may develop facial pain due to the pressure on your sinus cavities. This dull pain is accompanied by fatigue, headaches, and mucus production in many cases. You can relieve minor aches and pains by massaging the area or applying a warm compress to reduce swelling. To treat the root cause of this pain, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. You will likely be given an antibiotic prescription. 

2—Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TJD) 

The joint that connects your jaw and skull can become damaged or misaligned for many reasons, causing pain or tenderness in your jaw. You might also experience a popping sensation in your mouth, trouble chewing, or an earache. TMJ can be triggered by various factors such as teeth grinding, jaw bone infection, and tissue damage. Pinpointing the exact cause of TMJ is essential in treating it, so it’s necessary to see your doctor or dentist if you suspect that you may suffer from it. 

3—Dental Damage 

There are many dental health problems associated with jaw aches. Fortunately, they are all treatable by your dentist. Your jaw pain may result from a minor dental problem such as a cavity or the loss of a filling, which may expose your tooth’s nerve. This can radiate pain down into your jawbone. Additionally, developing a wisdom tooth is also an extremely common culprit that could be the source of your pain. More serious issues such as gum disease or prolonged tooth decay may compromise the integrity of your jawbone, resulting in severe pain. If this pain persists and is accompanied by bleeding, bad breath, or other dental factors, seeking emergency dental treatment is vital. 

Don’t let a one-sided jaw ache discourage or frighten you. Pinpoint the cause and seek treatment to get your health back on track as soon as possible. 

About the Practice   

Bell Road Dental Care prioritizes their patients’ comfort and health above all other treatment factors. Offering same-day treatment options, Bell Road Dental Care can quickly diagnose the cause of your jaw ache and design a custom treatment plan that works for your unique needs. If you have questions about why just one side of your jaw may be hurting, feel free to reach out to their team at (602) 404-3483 or through their website.