What are the common causes of ear and jaw pain on the left side. How can you treat ear and jaw pain at home. When should you see a doctor for ear and jaw discomfort.

Common Causes of Ear and Jaw Pain on the Left Side

Experiencing pain in your ear and jaw on the left side can be quite uncomfortable and concerning. Several conditions can lead to this type of discomfort, ranging from minor issues to more serious health problems. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine the best course of action for relief.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction is one of the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, and problems with this joint can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Pain in the ear and jaw
• Headaches
• Eye discomfort
• Sinus pressure

TMJ dysfunction can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw or teeth misalignment
• Muscle injuries
• Arthritis

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Pain

The sternocleidomastoid is a large muscle that runs from just below the ear to the collarbone. Injuries or strain to this muscle can cause pain that radiates to the ear and jaw. Additional symptoms may include:

• Sinus discomfort
• Eye pressure
• Cold-like symptoms without fever or runny nose

Oral Infections

Dental issues, such as tooth abscesses, can cause pain that extends to the ear and jaw. Symptoms of oral infections may include:

• Swollen gums
• Tender spots around teeth
• Pain that shifts from teeth to ear or jaw

Ear Infections

Ear infections can cause intense pain in and around the ear, sometimes radiating to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth. Common symptoms of ear infections include:

• Fever
• Congestion
• Fatigue
• Rapidly worsening pain

In severe cases, untreated ear infections can lead to mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone near the ear. This condition may cause additional symptoms such as swelling near the ear, hearing problems, and high fever.

Jaw Injuries

Trauma to the jaw, such as a fracture or sprain, can result in pain that extends to the ear. This type of pain often occurs after:

• Falls
• Car accidents
• Blows to the head

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding your teeth, especially during sleep, can put significant stress on the muscles of your face, neck, and jaw. This can lead to:

• Jaw pain
• Ear discomfort
• Facial pain
• Tooth damage

Home Remedies for Ear and Jaw Pain

When ear and jaw pain is not caused by a serious underlying condition or infection, several home remedies can provide relief. Here are some strategies you can try:

Use a Mouth Guard

If teeth grinding is the culprit, wearing a mouth guard while sleeping can help alleviate symptoms. You can purchase over-the-counter mouth guards or consult a dentist for a custom-fitted option if the problem persists.

Apply Heat or Cold Therapy

Alternating between heat and cold applications can help reduce pain and inflammation. Try these methods:

• Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes
• Follow with a cold pack for 10-15 minutes
• Repeat this process several times a day

Practice Jaw Exercises and Stretches

Gentle exercises and stretches can help relieve tension in the jaw muscles. Try these simple movements:

1. Slowly open and close your mouth
2. Move your jaw from side to side
3. Gently massage the muscles around your jaw

Manage Stress

Stress can exacerbate teeth grinding and jaw tension. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Regular physical activity

Maintain Good Posture

Poor posture can contribute to jaw and ear pain. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially when working at a desk or using electronic devices. Consider using ergonomic tools to support proper alignment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear and Jaw Pain

While many cases of ear and jaw pain can be managed at home, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary. Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, or discharge
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
• Changes in your bite or tooth alignment
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Jaw pain following a recent injury or accident

Diagnostic Procedures for Ear and Jaw Pain

When you consult a healthcare professional for ear and jaw pain, they may perform various diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying cause. These may include:

Physical Examination

The doctor will examine your ear, jaw, and surrounding areas for signs of inflammation, swelling, or other abnormalities. They may also check your bite alignment and jaw movement.

Imaging Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may order imaging tests such as:

• X-rays to evaluate jaw structure and alignment
• CT scans for detailed images of bones and soft tissues
• MRI scans to assess joint and muscle conditions

Dental Examination

If an oral infection is suspected, a dental examination may be necessary. This can include:

• Visual inspection of teeth and gums
• Dental X-rays to detect hidden decay or abscesses
• Sensitivity tests to identify problem teeth

Treatment Options for Ear and Jaw Pain

The treatment for ear and jaw pain depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Medications

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Muscle relaxants for TMJ-related pain
• Stronger pain relievers for severe discomfort

Physical Therapy

For TMJ disorders or muscle-related issues, physical therapy can be beneficial. A therapist may teach you:

• Specific exercises to improve jaw strength and flexibility
• Techniques to reduce muscle tension
• Proper posture and alignment

Dental Procedures

If the pain is related to dental issues, treatments may include:

• Filling cavities
• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extraction
• Correction of bite alignment

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary for conditions such as:

• Severe TMJ disorders
• Jaw fractures
• Chronic ear infections resistant to other treatments

Preventing Ear and Jaw Pain

While not all causes of ear and jaw pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent oral infections that may lead to ear and jaw pain.

Manage Stress

Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine to minimize teeth grinding and jaw tension.

Maintain Proper Posture

Be mindful of your posture, especially when using electronic devices or working at a desk for extended periods.

Avoid Excessive Jaw Movements

Limit activities that put excessive strain on your jaw, such as chewing gum for long periods or biting on hard objects.

Protect Your Ears

To prevent ear infections, avoid inserting objects into your ears and protect them from excessive moisture.

Long-Term Management of Chronic Ear and Jaw Pain

For individuals dealing with chronic ear and jaw pain, long-term management strategies may be necessary. These can include:

Regular Follow-ups

Maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider or specialist to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Lifestyle Modifications

Implement lifestyle changes that support jaw and ear health, such as:

• Eating a soft diet during flare-ups
• Avoiding extreme jaw movements
• Practicing relaxation techniques

Alternative Therapies

Some individuals find relief through alternative treatments such as:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Biofeedback

Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying alternative therapies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition.

By understanding the potential causes of ear and jaw pain on the left side and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can take proactive steps to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Remember that while home remedies can be effective for minor issues, persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

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Was this helpful?

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from a mild ache to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including mouth or ear infections, joint injuries, and tooth grinding.

In this article, we discuss the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. We also suggest home remedies to try before seeing a doctor and explain the medical treatment options.

Share on PinterestA problem with the temporomandibular joint may cause ear and jaw pain.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain.

It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the cause based on these symptoms alone, so they will take into account risk factors and recent history. For example, a person who has not been to the dentist in many years and has a history of tooth pain may have a cavity.

The following are some common causes of ear and jaw pain:

TMJ dysfunction

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain. Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure. Several conditions and factors can cause TMJ pain, including:

• grinding the teeth
• problems with the alignment of the jaw or teeth
• muscle injuries
• arthritis

Although TMJ can be painful, home treatment often helps manage or even eliminate symptoms.

Sternocleidomastoid pain

The sternocleidomastoid is a thick muscle that extends from just under the ear down to the collarbone. Injuries to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, as well as sinus pain, eye pressure, and other symptoms that a person might mistake for signs of a cold or infection.

When a person has these symptoms but has no injuries and no other signs of infection — such as a fever or runny nose — an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A doctor can rule out other causes, such as infections of the middle or inner ear, by carrying out a physical examination.

Oral infections

A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw.

In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.

Ear infections

An ear infection can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth.

In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections. Ear infections can also happen when water or other fluids build up in the ear.

A person with an ear infection may have other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy. The pain of an ear infection can be intense and may get rapidly worse without treatment.

Untreated ear infections can spread to other parts of the body. Some people develop an infection called mastoiditis, which is an infection in the mastoid bone near the ear. When this happens, a person may experience swelling close to the ear, hearing problems, or a high fever. Severe cases of mastoiditis can be life threatening and require immediate treatment.

Jaw injuries

An injury, such as a broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, could cause jaw pain that radiates to the ear. If a person notices ear and jaw pain shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, they may have a jaw injury that needs medical treatment.

Tooth grinding

Grinding the teeth at night places stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. The tension can cause pain in the jaw, in the ears, and on the front or side of the face. Some people may also damage their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.

It is safe to treat ear and jaw pain at home when it is not due to an underlying infection or a serious injury. People can try the following strategies:

• Sleep with a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding. Different types of mouth guard are available for purchase online. If the mouth guard helps but does not cure the symptoms, a person might need a custom mouth guard from a dentist.
• Try applying heat or ice to the injury, as this can ease pain and promote healing. Learn how to make a heating pad here.
• Gently massage the jaw to reduce muscle tension.
• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Try stretching the sternocleidomastoid by tilting the ear down toward the shoulder and holding it there for 5–10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Stretch the jaw muscles by opening the mouth and jutting out the lower jaw, then holding this position for 5–10 seconds. Next, try moving the teeth forward and back and from side to side in a circular motion.

Infections almost always require antibiotics. Sometimes, a person needs other medical treatments, particularly in the case of serious infections, such as mastoiditis.

If home remedies fail, medical treatment options include:

• orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and jaw
• TMJ surgery to reduce TMJ pain
• a custom fitted device to prevent tooth grinding
• mental health treatment, for when a person grinds their teeth because of anxiety
• prescription medication for arthritis
• physical therapy to treat jaw injuries or manage arthritis more effectively
• treatment for cavities, such as fillings, root canals, or crowns
• stronger pain relievers for TMJ disorders or arthritis

It is best to see a doctor for ear and jaw pain if:

• there are signs of an infection, such as fever or swelling
• the pain appears immediately after an injury
• the gums are swollen or the teeth hurt
• symptoms do not improve within a few days of home treatment
• a doctor prescribes antibiotics or other treatment, but treatment does not help
• ear or jaw pain becomes unbearable
• a baby or young child with ear and jaw pain does not stop crying

Ear and jaw pain can be extremely unpleasant. Prompt medical treatment can help, even when there is an underlying chronic condition.

If home treatment fails, a person should speak to their doctor. There is no reason to suffer through the pain or delay treatment.

Read the article in Spanish.

Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from a mild ache to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including mouth or ear infections, joint injuries, and tooth grinding.

In this article, we discuss the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. We also suggest home remedies to try before seeing a doctor and explain the medical treatment options.

Share on PinterestA problem with the temporomandibular joint may cause ear and jaw pain.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain.

It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the cause based on these symptoms alone, so they will take into account risk factors and recent history. For example, a person who has not been to the dentist in many years and has a history of tooth pain may have a cavity.

The following are some common causes of ear and jaw pain:

TMJ dysfunction

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain. Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure. Several conditions and factors can cause TMJ pain, including:

• grinding the teeth
• problems with the alignment of the jaw or teeth
• muscle injuries
• arthritis

Although TMJ can be painful, home treatment often helps manage or even eliminate symptoms.

Sternocleidomastoid pain

The sternocleidomastoid is a thick muscle that extends from just under the ear down to the collarbone. Injuries to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, as well as sinus pain, eye pressure, and other symptoms that a person might mistake for signs of a cold or infection.

When a person has these symptoms but has no injuries and no other signs of infection — such as a fever or runny nose — an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A doctor can rule out other causes, such as infections of the middle or inner ear, by carrying out a physical examination.

Oral infections

A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw.

In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.

Ear infections

An ear infection can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth.

In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections. Ear infections can also happen when water or other fluids build up in the ear.

A person with an ear infection may have other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy. The pain of an ear infection can be intense and may get rapidly worse without treatment.

Untreated ear infections can spread to other parts of the body. Some people develop an infection called mastoiditis, which is an infection in the mastoid bone near the ear. When this happens, a person may experience swelling close to the ear, hearing problems, or a high fever. Severe cases of mastoiditis can be life threatening and require immediate treatment.

Jaw injuries

An injury, such as a broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, could cause jaw pain that radiates to the ear. If a person notices ear and jaw pain shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, they may have a jaw injury that needs medical treatment.

Tooth grinding

Grinding the teeth at night places stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. The tension can cause pain in the jaw, in the ears, and on the front or side of the face. Some people may also damage their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.

It is safe to treat ear and jaw pain at home when it is not due to an underlying infection or a serious injury. People can try the following strategies:

• Sleep with a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding. Different types of mouth guard are available for purchase online. If the mouth guard helps but does not cure the symptoms, a person might need a custom mouth guard from a dentist.
• Try applying heat or ice to the injury, as this can ease pain and promote healing. Learn how to make a heating pad here.
• Gently massage the jaw to reduce muscle tension.
• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Try stretching the sternocleidomastoid by tilting the ear down toward the shoulder and holding it there for 5–10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Stretch the jaw muscles by opening the mouth and jutting out the lower jaw, then holding this position for 5–10 seconds. Next, try moving the teeth forward and back and from side to side in a circular motion.

Infections almost always require antibiotics. Sometimes, a person needs other medical treatments, particularly in the case of serious infections, such as mastoiditis.

If home remedies fail, medical treatment options include:

• orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and jaw
• TMJ surgery to reduce TMJ pain
• a custom fitted device to prevent tooth grinding
• mental health treatment, for when a person grinds their teeth because of anxiety
• prescription medication for arthritis
• physical therapy to treat jaw injuries or manage arthritis more effectively
• treatment for cavities, such as fillings, root canals, or crowns
• stronger pain relievers for TMJ disorders or arthritis

It is best to see a doctor for ear and jaw pain if:

• there are signs of an infection, such as fever or swelling
• the pain appears immediately after an injury
• the gums are swollen or the teeth hurt
• symptoms do not improve within a few days of home treatment
• a doctor prescribes antibiotics or other treatment, but treatment does not help
• ear or jaw pain becomes unbearable
• a baby or young child with ear and jaw pain does not stop crying

Ear and jaw pain can be extremely unpleasant. Prompt medical treatment can help, even when there is an underlying chronic condition.

If home treatment fails, a person should speak to their doctor. There is no reason to suffer through the pain or delay treatment.

Read the article in Spanish.

Why the jaw hurts near the ear and what to do

The jaw hurts near the ear: what provokes malaise and how to deal with it

Pain in the jaw is an unpleasant symptom that causes significant discomfort. The problem requires immediate medical attention. When examining and making a diagnosis, he takes into account the localization of the problem area. If the jaw near the ear hurts, this may indicate problems with the temporomandibular joint, which ensures the mobility of the lower jaw and its connection with the skull. Soreness in this area often indicates a number of other diseases. A specialist will help determine the cause.

Why does the jaw hurt near the ear: the main causative factors

Soreness in the jaw with irradiation to the ear can provoke various pathologies.

Dental problems

Dental problems are often accompanied by pain that can radiate to different parts of the head, including the area near the ear. Possible causes of an unpleasant symptom:

• caries at different stages of development, pulpitis;
• abscess;
• damage to prostheses – crown or implant;
• glossitis – inflammation of the tongue;
• cyst or granuloma of the root of a tooth;
• gum disease – gingivitis, periodontitis;
• periostitis is an inflammatory process in the periosteum.

Jaw pain is often associated with procedures performed by the dentist, such as cleaning or whitening teeth, their treatment or removal, implantation, installation of braces. Irradiation in the ear is observed when the “eight” erupts, its incorrect position.

Bruxism can also cause soreness. In its presence, the jaw muscles contract unconsciously, which causes strong closing and friction of the teeth. There is a characteristic rattle. Often a person is unaware of the presence of bruxism, since it usually manifests itself at night. You can suspect a violation by the presence of discomfort in the muscles of the face in the morning. Due to the strong tension, pain in the jaw is also felt, microcracks form on the enamel.

Temporomandibular joint disorders

TMJ problems are the most common non-dental cause of facial pain. Various disorders in the mobility of the system of muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bones provoke joint dysfunction. Soreness can appear on the left or right, as well as on both sides. The main symptoms of TMJ dysfunction:

• pain near the ear when swallowing, chewing, yawning, talking;
• dizziness;
• visual disturbances;
• tinnitus;
• headache.

The disease is also diagnosed by a characteristic click when opening the mouth. TMJ injuries (dislocations, fractures) are accompanied by bruises, swelling, redness. You can get them when you hit, bruised. Often fixed displacement of the jaw disc forward, and the head of the lower jaw – back. This provokes stretching of the anterior and posterior disc ligaments and pressure on the bilaminar zone of the joint, in which pain receptors are located.

The TMJ can be affected by arthritis and arthrosis. In the first case, there are severe night pains, crunching and clicking, stiffness in the morning. In the second, the pain is aching and chronic and increases with yawning, opening the mouth. Various causes provoke pathology: age-related changes, stress, inflammation, trauma and genetic predisposition.

Disturbances in the work of the TMJ are observed with the habit of squeezing or moving the jaw, with bruxism, constant chewing of chewing gum (the joint does not have time to rest after eating). Causes wear and misalignment. Chewing food on one side provokes increased pressure in this area. Over time, damage to the TMJ affects the nerve endings, which explains why pain occurs.

Neurological and vascular diseases

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disease in which there are sharp painful sensations in different parts of the face. It all depends on which branch is affected (there are three of them). Unpleasant symptoms may be aggravated by chewing, talking, pressing on the face, brushing your teeth. In addition to the trigeminal nerve, pain near the ear can provoke damage to other nerves:

• vagus;
• glossopharyngeal;
• occipital.

Arteritis can provoke malaise, in which acute pain appears due to muscle spasms. Deformation is visually observed, compaction is visible on the x-ray. Among the characteristic symptoms are swelling and redness of the affected area. Pain in the jaw, which radiates to the ear area and other parts of the face, may indicate diseases of the brain, in particular, circulatory disorders of this organ.

Pain near the ear can be the result of damage to blood vessels, such as the carotid artery. In this case, the neck, jaw and facial part are touched.

Oncological factor

With the development of oncology, pain is more often manifested on the right side. The tumor can be malignant or benign. In the first case, the nerve endings first lose their sensitivity, and facial numbness appears. After that, there is pain in the jaw. In the second case, there are also unpleasant sensations in this area. A lump appears near the ear or behind it – a consequence of the growth of the lymph node. In this case, it is important to take measures so that the inflammatory or purulent process does not begin. In addition to pain near the ear, other symptoms occur with a benign tumor:

• deterioration in general condition;
• fever;
• headaches;
• redness of the neoplasm.

If suppuration occurs, it already poses a danger to the patient’s life. Lack of proper care can lead to infection entering the bloodstream.

Possible complications

If you experience an unpleasant symptom, you should immediately contact your dentist. It is not worth postponing the visit, because the problem itself will not disappear anywhere, but can only get worse. Only a specialist can tell you what to do. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, computed tomography is prescribed. If the doctor excludes the presence of dental problems, the patient will be referred to another specialist (neurologist, oncologist, phlebologist, etc.). Lack of help with muscle tension can lead to problems such as:

• occurrence of back pain;
• dizziness;
• sleep disorders;
• deterioration of vision, the occurrence of soreness in the eyes;
• increased sensitivity to light;
• depression.

If the malaise is accompanied by stuffiness in the ear, there is a risk of partial or complete hearing loss. When the jaw does not open fully, it shifts. It becomes painful to chew. After some time, there are problems with the teeth, the enamel is erased, the sensitivity increases.

How to eliminate pain in the jaw near the ear

Identification of the causative factor allows you to determine how to treat the pathology. Possible actions of the doctor:

1. Dental problems require sanitation, as a result of which any sources of infection are eliminated.
2. Use cold compresses for bruises. A dislocation requires a visit to a surgeon who will set the jaw. For fractures with displacement of the bone, surgery is performed. The patient is prescribed painkillers, anti-inflammatory external agents.
3. In case of abscess, the abscess is opened and antibiotics are prescribed.
4. Oncology involves the use of surgical techniques, radiation and chemotherapy.
5. Infectious and inflammatory processes are stopped with antibiotics, compresses, mouthwashes. Sometimes surgical treatment is required.

Also, depending on the provoking factors, different methods of physiotherapy are used: microwave, UHF, ultraviolet irradiation, diadynamic therapy.

Preventive measures

In order not to run into a problem, you need high-quality prevention. To do this, you should follow the recommendations of specialists:

• treat bruises in a timely manner;
• visit the dentist regularly;
• do not neglect the rules of oral hygiene;
• refuse to chew chewing gum for a long time;
• make an appointment with an orthodontist to assess the bite;
• evenly distribute the chewing load on both sides of the jaws;
• Avoid hard foods and foods that are difficult to chew.

It is also important to control oneself in fits of anger so as not to close the jaw too much.

Life becomes brighter when you smile! Make an appointment at Dental Art dental clinics by phone:

Cracking and pain in the ear (temporomandibular joint disease)

Cracking and pain in front of the ear is an abnormal function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ is the most complex joint in our body. Analogues in nature, i.e. animals, no. Therefore, it is impossible to simulate a human model of the disease. Consequently, the study of this pathology (disease) takes place on a sick person.

Cracking and clicking in the joint, pain during chewing and at rest, often accompanied by a headache in the temple. This is due to the fact that the same nerve – ear-temporal – innervates the TMJ and the skin of the temporal region. Pain in the joint is due to inflammation of the joint capsule, and crunching and clicking – stretching of the ligamentous apparatus of the joint. This stretch occurs gradually and imperceptibly, and often results in chronic reducible dislocation and subluxation of the mandible.

In case of dislocation, a person may feel how the head of the lower jaw skips forward, the mouth can open by 5, 6 or 8 cm, at a rate of 3.5-4 cm. Sometimes, when the mouth is opened wide, the jaw jams and the person has to swing the lower jaw by the chin to set the jaw and close the mouth.

CT scans show deformity of the mandibular head, either due to abnormal bone growths or resorption of the mandibular head. In some patients, the head resolves to half its height, the branch of the lower jaw is shortened and pulled up by the muscles. The front sections of the jaw drop, and the front teeth stop closing – nothing can be bitten off.

Magnetic resonance imaging clearly shows the displacement of the intraarticular disc and head of the mandible. Abnormal displacement of the disc causes pathological changes in the joint.

Treatment

Orthopedic dentists offer bulky splints and restraints that need to be worn for 2-3 years to treat such patients. This is very inconvenient and harmful to the entire dental system. Gnathologists offer to grind teeth in several steps. Some dental surgeons, by injecting a pressurized saline solution into a joint, hope to correct an overly displaced articular disc. Others do complex 4-hour operations under anesthesia to close the joint capsule or shorten the disc ligament.

We offer medical treatment aimed at stopping inflammation in the joint and resorption of the head of the mandible. In addition, we stimulate bone regeneration to restore the shape and size of this head, restore its cartilaginous coating and strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the joint, which saves the patient from dislocation of the lower jaw.