What are the common symptoms of TMD. How is TMD diagnosed. What are effective treatment options for TMD. How can you differentiate TMD pain from other types of facial pain. What lifestyle changes can help manage TMD symptoms.

Understanding Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. These disorders can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities like eating and speaking. TMD is most prevalent among women aged 20 to 40, but it can affect people of all ages and genders.

What exactly is the temporomandibular joint? The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, acting as a hinge that allows for jaw movement. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become strained or damaged, it can lead to TMD.

Common Causes of TMD

• Stress-induced jaw clenching
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Arthritis in the TMJ
• Joint dislocation
• Injury to the jaw area

Understanding the underlying cause of TMD is crucial for effective treatment. While stress and teeth grinding are common culprits, other factors like arthritis or injury can also play a role.

Recognizing TMD Symptoms

TMD can manifest in various ways, making it challenging to diagnose without professional help. However, there are several common symptoms associated with the condition.

What are the telltale signs of TMD? Key indicators include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw area, face, neck, or shoulders
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
• Aching pain in or around the ear
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
• Headaches, particularly in the temple area
• Dizziness or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go over time. Some individuals may experience only mild discomfort, while others might have severe, chronic pain that significantly impacts their quality of life.

Diagnosing TMD: The Process and Challenges

Accurately diagnosing TMD can be complex due to the variety of symptoms and their similarity to other conditions. This is why seeking professional help is crucial for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Steps in TMD Diagnosis

1. Medical and dental history review
2. Physical examination of the jaw, face, and neck
3. Assessment of jaw movement and listening for joint sounds
4. Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) if necessary

How do healthcare professionals differentiate TMD from other conditions? They consider various factors, including the pattern of pain, jaw mobility, and the presence of joint sounds. They also rule out other potential causes of facial pain, such as dental problems, sinus issues, or neurological conditions.

Treatment Options for TMD

The treatment approach for TMD typically starts with conservative, non-invasive methods before considering more aggressive interventions. The goal is to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve jaw function.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding hard foods, practicing stress-reduction techniques)
• Physical therapy exercises to strengthen jaw muscles
• Application of heat or cold packs
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Dental splints or night guards to prevent teeth grinding

What if conservative treatments don’t provide relief? In such cases, more advanced treatment options may be considered:

Advanced Treatment Options

• Prescription medications (muscle relaxants, stronger pain relievers)
• Corticosteroid injections into the joint
• Botox injections to relax jaw muscles
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address stress and pain management
• In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to find the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation. What works for one person may not be as effective for another, so patience and persistence are key in managing TMD.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage TMD Symptoms

While medical treatments are often necessary, making certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly help in managing TMD symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

Dietary Modifications

How can your diet impact TMD symptoms? Eating softer foods and avoiding chewy or hard items can reduce strain on the jaw. Consider incorporating more of the following into your diet:

• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Cooked vegetables
• Soft fruits
• Fish and tender meats
• Cooked grains and pasta

Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a common trigger for TMD symptoms. Implementing stress-reduction strategies can be highly beneficial. Some effective methods include:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga or tai chi
• Adequate sleep and rest

How do these techniques help with TMD? They can reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and decrease the likelihood of stress-induced jaw clenching or teeth grinding.

The Role of Dental Care in TMD Management

Proper dental care plays a crucial role in managing TMD and preventing its progression. Regular dental check-ups can help identify early signs of TMD and address related issues promptly.

Importance of Proper Bite Alignment

How does bite alignment affect TMD? An improper bite can put extra stress on the jaw joint and muscles, potentially exacerbating TMD symptoms. Dental professionals can assess your bite and recommend corrective measures if necessary, such as:

• Orthodontic treatment to align teeth
• Adjusting or replacing dental work
• Providing custom-fitted night guards or splints

Addressing Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is a common contributor to TMD. Dental professionals can help by:

• Identifying signs of teeth grinding
• Providing custom-made night guards to protect teeth and reduce jaw strain
• Recommending relaxation techniques or other interventions to reduce grinding

Regular dental visits also allow for monitoring of TMD progression and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.

When to Seek Professional Help for TMD

While some mild TMD symptoms may resolve on their own, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. Recognizing the signs that warrant medical attention can prevent the condition from worsening and ensure timely treatment.

Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention

What symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation? Consider seeking help if you experience:

• Persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw
• Inability to open or close your jaw completely
• Significant difficulty eating or speaking
• Sudden change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
• Swelling in the face or jaw area
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears

Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider

Who should you consult for TMD symptoms? Several types of healthcare providers can assist with TMD diagnosis and treatment:

• General dentists
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
• TMJ specialists
• Physical therapists specializing in orofacial pain
• Pain management specialists

It’s often beneficial to start with your regular dentist or primary care physician, who can provide an initial evaluation and refer you to specialists if necessary.

Living with TMD: Long-term Management and Coping Strategies

For many individuals, TMD becomes a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Developing effective coping strategies and maintaining a positive outlook are crucial for long-term well-being.

Self-care Techniques for TMD Management

What can you do at home to manage TMD symptoms? Consider incorporating these self-care techniques into your daily routine:

• Practice gentle jaw exercises as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce facial muscle tension
• Apply moist heat or cold packs to the jaw area for pain relief
• Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the neck and jaw
• Avoid excessive jaw movements, such as wide yawning or gum chewing

Emotional and Psychological Support

Living with chronic pain can take an emotional toll. How can you address the psychological aspects of TMD?

• Consider joining a support group for individuals with TMD or chronic pain
• Explore cognitive-behavioral therapy to develop pain coping strategies
• Practice mindfulness and meditation to manage stress and pain perception
• Maintain open communication with friends, family, and healthcare providers about your condition

Remember, everyone’s experience with TMD is unique. It may take time to find the right combination of treatments and coping strategies that work best for you. Patience and persistence are key in managing this condition effectively.

Emerging Treatments and Research in TMD Management

As our understanding of TMD continues to evolve, new treatment approaches and research findings are emerging. Staying informed about these developments can provide hope and potentially new options for those struggling with TMD.

Innovative Treatment Approaches

What new treatments are being explored for TMD? Some promising areas include:

• Regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Advanced imaging technologies for more precise diagnosis
• Customized 3D-printed splints and orthotics
• Neurofeedback and biofeedback training
• Gene therapy for chronic pain management

Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials

How is scientific research contributing to TMD management? Several areas of study are showing promise:

• Investigation of genetic factors that may predispose individuals to TMD
• Studies on the relationship between TMD and other chronic pain conditions
• Research into the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine approaches
• Development of new pharmaceutical interventions targeting specific pain pathways

While many of these treatments and research areas are still in early stages, they offer hope for improved TMD management in the future. It’s important to discuss any new or experimental treatments with your healthcare provider to determine if they might be appropriate for your specific situation.

In conclusion, temporomandibular disorders can be challenging to diagnose and manage, but with the right approach, many individuals find relief and improved quality of life. By understanding the condition, recognizing its symptoms, seeking appropriate care, and implementing lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage TMD and minimize its impact on your daily life. Remember to work closely with healthcare professionals, stay informed about new developments, and be patient in finding the treatment approach that works best for you.

When Ear And Jaw Pain Indicates TMJ

Top Articles

More Articles

Published date field
Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

If you’re experiencing a toothache, jaw pain, ear pain, or other pain around your face, you may be struggling with a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (also known as TMD). This discomfort can be frustrating but has several potential underlying causes. We’re here to walk you through how you can discern ear and jaw pain due to TMD from other sources and what you should do about it.

TMD: What You Should Know

The joint connecting your jawbones to your skull are also known as your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Because of this, disorders associated with this structure are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This joint and the related muscles give your jaw mobility, enabling vital daily functions like eating and speaking.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these disorders are most common in women and most frequently occur in those aged 20 to 40. They can lead to discomfort around your face, including pain in your jaw and ear.

Causes of TMD may include:

• Stress that leads you to clench and overstrain your jaw muscles or TMJ
• Grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism)
• Arthritis in your TMJ
• Dislocation within your TMJ

Who to See About It

If you’re experiencing pain in your ear or jaw or symptoms you believe may be related to TMD, it’s a good idea to check in with a professional for their diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This is especially true for TMD disorders as they can present in various ways, making them difficult to diagnose accurately.

So, who exactly should you schedule a visit with? It could be a good idea to start with your primary care provider (PCP), as they’re often most familiar with your health. Speaking with your dental professional is also an excellent option as they have specialized knowledge and training in TMD and are often familiar with your health history.

Either your medical or dental professional may refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment, such as a maxillofacial surgeon or physical therapist.

Diagnosing Your Pain

Pain associated with TMJ can either be mild or acute and can be temporary or chronic. As the presentation of the pain can vary, it can be challenging to diagnose on your own. Various other underlying concerns can lead to similar symptoms and pain, including dental issues, arthritis, and sinus problems.

With that said, TMD pain typically:

• Presents around your TMJ, face, neck, shoulders, or ear area
• Appears or worsens when you open your mouth wide, speak, or chew
• Is accompanied by swelling, face fatigue, limited mobility of your jaw, or noises when you open or close your jaw

When diagnosing the source of your pain, medical or dental professionals may:

• Collect your full medical and dental history
• Perform a physical exam, test your range of motion, and look for soreness or sounds when opening and closing your jaw
• Performing imaging studies like a panoramic X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment Options

According to the Cleveland Clinic, your dental professional will likely recommend exploring the more conservative treatment options before more resorting to more invasive approaches. While you’re waiting to receive expert diagnosis and treatment advice, it’s best to avoid worsening your pain and seeking relief where possible for your ear and jaw pain.

Treatment options to relieve pain associated with TMD may be relieved by:

• Avoiding straining your jaw muscles by eating overly hard or chewy items in favor of soft foods
• Practicing relaxation methods to help reduce your stress levels
• Receiving dental treatment to correct associated oral health problems, like a misaligned bite
• If you grind your teeth or have a misaligned bite, consider purchasing a splint or mouthguard to cover your teeth at night
• Trying not to strain your jaw by performing wide or excessive jaw movements
• Applying a cold compress to the affected area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
• Using over-the-counter medications to relieve swelling or pain as instructed on the packaging

Keep in mind that numerous underlying sources potentially cause pain in your ear or jaws, so it’s best to leave the diagnosis up to the pros. In the meantime, you have options at your disposal to help manage your pain and to avoid worsening it. You’ve made a great choice to educate yourself on TMD and set yourself up to manage its symptoms best.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

Was this article helpful?

Like

Neutral

Thank you for submitting your feedback!

If you’d like a response, Contact Us.

Jaw Pain Is Never Normal

Those who suffer from problems related to the jaw know that it’s no joke. Pain related to the jaw joint and muscles surrounding the joint can cause a long list of symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, neck pain, upper back pain, ear pain, ear fullness, jaw pain, popping, pain when chewing, and lockjaw. Some have only one or two mild symptoms and others may suffer from nearly all of these. Interestingly, you may experience upper back or neck symptoms and not be aware that your jaw muscles may be to blame. 

The temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is located just in front of your ear. If you press your finger into the indentation just in front of your ear, then open and close your mouth, you’ll feel your jaw joint moving. TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) refers to pain or problems with the TMJ.  TMD is the second most common musculoskeletal pain behind low back pain, causing one in three people to have at least one symptom. This issue affects women more than men and most commonly affects people from 25-44 years old. 

THE ROOT CAUSE

Getting down to the root cause if your TMD symptoms is an important first step in the process of getting relief. Occasionally, an injury to the jaw is the obvious culprit. However, most people have no idea why their symptoms began. Interestingly, a combination of stress, poor sleep, and poor posture can actually be the primary cause. Bad habits that unnecessarily create more muscle stress are another common cause. Do you clench or grind your teeth at night, chew gum frequently, bite your cheek, lips, nails, or pens? All of these habits increase the tension of the muscles connected to your jaw and can cause symptoms of TMD. 

The list of pain and problems related to TMD is long, but many are related to the surrounding muscles. Physical therapists with additional training in treating TMD learn special hands-on treatment techniques to reduce jaw joint tension and pain. Since everyone’s symptoms are different, it’s important that treatment be tailored to your specific symptoms, but can include myofascial release techniques, soft or deep tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, dry needling with electrical stimulation, specific exercises to help posture, and spinal manipulation when appropriate. Most importantly, treatment has to be focused on your lifestyle, including identifying any habits that may contribute to your pain, emotional or physical stress, and sleep quality.   

TMD SELF-ASSESSMENT

• • • Frequent headaches?
    • Neck pain, upper back pain, ear symptoms, with or without jaw symptoms?
    • Popping, catching or locking of your jaw?
    • Pain or difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to fit three knuckles between your front teeth?
    • Avoiding eating meat or sticky foods because of jaw discomfort?
    • Clenching or grinding your teeth?
    • Tense muscles around your jaw and temples even at rest? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your pain or symptoms are not normal.  Addressing your symptoms can not only reduce pain, but can improve your quality of sleep, headaches, and help reduce stress.

START GETTING RELIEF TODAY

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, help is just 15 minutes away. Consult with one of our specialists today at no cost. Our free screening appointments allow you to meet with a specialist for 15 minutes and get your questions answered today. Our team of TMD specialists work as a team with your dentist to ensure the best possible care. If you clench or grind at night, your dentist or therapist may recommend a night splint in addition to therapy treatments. In very rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a severe TMJ dysfunction. We can refer you to a specialist if further assessment is needed. Many dentists and physical therapists have no advanced training in TMD, so seek advice from those who specialize in treating this complex issue.

AUTHORS

Mike Walsh, DPT, ATC, Cert. DN

Hunter Scherr, DPT, Cert. DN

Chloe Tuma, DPT, Cert. DN

Why does the upper jaw hurt? 【Reasons and what to do】

Many patients think that aching pain in the upper jaw is caused only by diseased teeth. This is partly true, but discomfort can be caused by other reasons. In this article, we will consider why there is pain in the upper jaw on the left or right. Let’s talk about the methods of diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, as well as effective preventive measures.

Contents

Our experts

Yunaeva Stella Vladimirovna

Experience — 22 years

Ardagina Liya Alexandrovna

Experience – 6 years

Bogorad Svetlana Mikhailovna

Experience — 27 years

Malamuzh Oleg Sergeevich

Experience — 25 years

Radko Oksana Yurievna

Work experience — 18 years

Severe pain in the upper jaw indicates a problem that needs treatment. The cause of pain can be trauma, diseases of the teeth and gums, purulent-inflammatory processes, neuralgia and other pathologies.

As a result of a sports, work injury or car accident, jaw injuries of varying severity occur. With bruises, a hematoma is formed, moderate pain is felt, which gradually disappears over several days. If a fracture of the jaw occurs as a result of an injury, then acute, unbearable pain occurs. The front or chewing teeth do not close, can be mobile, due to swelling, the face becomes asymmetrical. There may be bleeding lacerations in the mouth and on the skin.

Acute throbbing pain in the upper jaw due to pulpitis. It can radiate to neighboring teeth, the temporal region, and the ear. If the infection goes beyond the roots, then this tooth becomes painful to chew. There is a feeling that he has become higher than the rest – the feeling of a “grown tooth”. Edema forms on the cheek, the temperature rises. The cause of the symptom may be alveolitis – inflammation of the hole after tooth extraction. The gum also hurts from wearing a removable prosthesis, which strongly rubs the mucous membrane.

Often, pathological processes occur due to dental disease. Periodontal infection spreads to the surrounding tissues: the periosteum of the alveolar process, in which the roots of the teeth are located, the bone tissue of the upper jaw, and the perimaxillary soft tissues.

Purulent processes in the upper jaw:

• Periostitis. With the development of the disease, the patient complains of severe pain in the upper jaw, sometimes extending to the temporal region. There is swelling of the cheek. The temperature rises to 38 ° C, appetite disappears, weakness appears.
• Osteomyelitis. A person feels pain in the upper teeth, the gums hurt, the jaw aches, as well as half of the head. The disease is characterized by pain in the body, severe weakness, loss of appetite, poor sleep. The temperature rises to 39.5 °C. Intoxication of the body, chills.
• Abscess, phlegmon. In the absence of treatment of diffuse osteomyelitis, infection from the bone and periosteum spreads to the adjacent soft tissues. Such dangerous purulent-inflammatory processes as an abscess and phlegmon develop. The symptoms of the disease are getting worse. Significantly enlarged regional lymph nodes. Some patients develop purulent lymphadenitis.
• Sialoadenitis. Pain, severe swelling and redness of the skin in the parotid-masticatory region occur with inflammation of the parotid salivary gland. The second name of the disease is parotitis. The patient’s body temperature rises, dry mouth appears. The mouth of the excretory duct, located on the cheek in the projection of the sixth tooth, is edematous and has a red tint. When pressed, a meager discharge appears with impurities of pus.

Pain in the upper jaw on the left or right can occur with neuralgia of the second branch of the trigeminal nerve (maxillary). The patient feels sharp, paroxysmal pain that lasts from a few seconds to a minute. Sometimes there is a painful tic – mimic muscles twitch. The pain spreads along the course of the maxillary nerve: in the region of the nasolabial fold, nose, upper lip, vestibule of the mouth, sometimes in the premolars.

Over time, the pains become boring, cutting, shooting like electric shocks. At the beginning of the disease, the interval between attacks is quite long. Without treatment, pain appears more often and intensifies. Pain occurs spontaneously or under the influence of stimuli: movement, changes in ambient temperature, touching some areas of the upper jaw.

Acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus is accompanied by pain in the infraorbital, buccal region. It intensifies when the head is tilted, radiates to the forehead, ear, back of the head, upper teeth, and radiates to the temple. Patients feel heaviness in the region of the upper jaw on the right or left, depending on which side sinusitis has developed. Blockage of half of the nose. Sometimes it becomes painful to chew with the side teeth. The head hurts, weakness is felt, the body temperature is increased to 37.5-38 ° C.

On the 2nd-3rd day, the inflammation increases, the feeling of heaviness on the side of the lesion intensifies. There is pain when pressing on the tooth, which has become the source of infection. The nasal mucosa is swollen and reddened. On the 3-5th day, the pain intensifies, especially if there is no outflow of sinus contents into the nasal cavity. General and local symptoms of sinusitis increase, purulent discharge appears.

Pain in the upper jaw on the right or left arises from the growth of benign formations. These include ameloblastoma, fibroma, adenoameloblastoma, myxoma, cementoma. Tumors develop asymptomatically for a long time and can be detected incidentally during x-ray examination. Painful sensations occur when the nerve is compressed and are similar to neuralgia. Reaching large sizes, tumors deform the jawbone.

With the formation of a malignant tumor (sarcoma, fibrous histiocytoma), pain appears in the early stages. The mucosa over the tumor has a purple-red color, when injured, ulcerations appear on it. The development of Ewing’s sarcoma is accompanied by vivid symptoms. The patient complains of bouts of aching, dull pain in the area of ​​the tumor. There is a local burning sensation and heat. Soon these signs are joined by loosening of the teeth, swelling, fever.

Occurs with bruxism – teeth grinding at night. The patient feels aches in the parotid-masticatory region, notices fatigue in the masticatory muscles upon waking up. The front and chewing teeth are erased, there is an increased sensitivity to sweet, sour, hot and cold foods. Fillings, veneers, crowns and prostheses break off. Often worried about the head, the pain is given to the temple. Pain in the temporomandibular joint when chewing.

Of course, the activity of the masticatory muscles increases during stress. During these periods, a person has an uncontrollable compression of the jaws. The development of muscle hypertonicity is facilitated by a combination of a number of factors: a change in the state of the muscular apparatus, malocclusion, pathology of the spine (often in the cervical and thoracic region), asymmetric position of the shoulders, shoulder blades, shortening of one leg.

To prescribe treatment, the dentist must identify the cause of the aching pain in the upper jaw. In some cases, you may need to consult an maxillofacial surgeon, an otolaryngologist and a neurologist. The doctor finds out how long ago the complaints appeared, then examines the mouth, palpates the lymph nodes.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the patient can be prescribed various types of examinations:

• Computed tomography. The 3D image clearly shows fractures, cysts and granulomas on the roots of the teeth. Also, a 3D image is used for diagnosis when the upper jaw hurts on one side. For example, to detect tumors, sinusitis, purulent-inflammatory diseases of bone tissue – periostitis, osteomyelitis. CT allows the doctor to see the size and exact location of the pathological formation.
• Electroodontometry. With the help of an electrodontometer, which generates a specially calculated dose of electric current, the dentist studies the viability of the pulp. Electroodontodiagnostics provides information about the condition, integrity, functionality of the neurovascular bundle of the tooth and its sensitivity. The doctor can determine the absence or presence of inflammation of the dental nerve and its necrosis.
• Use of brooks checkers. To diagnose bruxism, the dentist takes casts of the teeth, which are used to make special mouth guards. With their help, it is determined which teeth are subjected to overload when closing. Mouthguards are put on at night, after which the patient brings them to the clinic for analysis.
• Digital sialography. The study is used to diagnose inflammatory diseases of the salivary glands and salivary stone disease. It is performed on a digital angiograph. A contrast agent is injected into the salivary gland under fluoroscopic control and its condition is assessed on the image.

If sinusitis is suspected, the patient is referred to an otolaryngologist. In addition to computed tomography, the specialist performs rhinoscopy, probing of the maxillary sinus. In some cases, a diagnostic sinus puncture may be necessary. If trigeminal neuralgia is suspected, the dentist diagnoses the pathology together with a neurologist and an otolaryngologist.

The patient is scheduled for an MRI to look for a tumor that may have caused the disease. MR angiography is performed, which will help determine the presence of a neurovascular conflict – compression of a nerve by a blood vessel. To clarify the level of damage, conduct electroneuromyography of the branches of the nerve.

After diagnosing the disease and determining its cause, the patient is prescribed conservative or surgical treatment. The choice of method will depend on the type of disease, the stage of its development and the general condition of the body.

Splinting of teeth

Bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunction

Endodontic treatment of anterior tooth

Analgesics are prescribed to relieve aching pain in the upper jaw. To eliminate the cause of the pathology and relieve unpleasant symptoms, the following procedures are carried out:

• Endodontic treatment. If the cause of the pain is pulpitis or periodontitis, then the dentist removes the infected nerve under anesthesia. Then he cleans, rinses the root canals with an antiseptic. If the infection has gone beyond the tooth, then the canals are sealed with a medical paste. A few weeks after the signs of inflammation have been eliminated, the channels are filled with gutta-percha and a crown is placed on the tooth.
• Wearing protective caps. For the treatment of bruxism, individual mouthguards are made for the patient to protect the teeth from further abrasion. To reduce the activity of the masticatory muscles, manual therapy, light sedatives, and botulinum toxin injections are prescribed.
• Splinting. In case of fractures of the jawbone, restriction of chewing load is required. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs a conservative procedure called a double jaw splinting. To do this, he imposes on the dentition splints with reposition of fragments, fixes the bite in the patient’s usual position. On average, the design is installed for 4-5 weeks.
• Medical treatment. In the presence of purulent-inflammatory processes and ENT pathologies, patients are prescribed antibiotics. Additionally, the course of treatment includes anti-inflammatory, antihistamines and immunomodulators. Local therapy includes the evacuation of purulent contents, washing with antiseptics and bandaging. With trigeminal neuralgia, the patient takes anticonvulsants. At first, the dosage is gradually increased until the optimal result is achieved. Then the drug is continued for several months as maintenance therapy. In parallel, antihistamines, antispasmodics, B vitamins are prescribed, blockades are made with a local anesthetic at the exit site of the maxillary nerve.

If conservative therapy cannot solve the problem, then an operation is performed:

• sinus otomy – opening of the maxillary sinus;
• removal of benign and malignant neoplasms;
• removal of a stone from the duct or extirpation of the maxillary gland;
• osteosynthesis — reposition of jaw fragments with titanium mini-plates;
• extraction of teeth that have become a source of infection and cannot be restored.

Aching pain in the upper jaw is always a sign of a disease that requires examination by a doctor and treatment. With the unfavorable development of neuralgia of the maxillary nerve, pain attacks intensify and become more frequent, paralysis and muscle paresis occur. With bruxism, pain in the temporomandibular joint increases during chewing, and its mobility is limited. Acute purulent-inflammatory processes lead to sepsis. Late diagnosis of malignant tumors complicates treatment, increases the risk of recurrence, which often leads to death.

To prevent the development of diseases that cause pain in the upper jaw on one or both sides, it is necessary to follow the rules of oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly and treat your teeth. Once a year, do an x-ray examination of the dentoalveolar system – computed tomography. To avoid sports injuries, you should wear special protective caps during training.

First you need to make an appointment with a dentist. You should not wait until the jaw stops hurting. Untimely access to a doctor leads to more complex and lengthy treatment, as well as to the development of dangerous complications. If the pain is unbearable, then you need to take painkillers. In no case should you warm your cheek and self-medicate. This can only exacerbate the current situation and negatively affect well-being.

Free consultation

Ask questions by phone +7 (495) 150-27-16 or leave a request, we will call you back within a business day.

What is your name

Phone number

By clicking the “Register” button, I agree to
processing of my personal data
according to c

Close

Application sent to

, thank you for your interest. Our manager will call you back within 15 minutes.

Close

In our clinics in Moscow, patients with acute pain are treated out of turn. You just need to call the clinic and warn about your arrival. The first freed doctor will accept you and provide medical assistance. If the cause of the pain was not a dental disease, then the doctor will refer you to the right specialist and give valuable recommendations.

1. Kulakov, AA Surgical stomatology and maxillofacial surgery : National guide / Ed. A. A. Kulakova, T. G. Robustova, A. I. Nerobeeva. – Moscow: GEOTAR-Media, 2015. – 928 p. (Series “National Manuals”) – ISBN 978-5-9704-3727-8. – Text : electronic
2. Shevchenko LV, Shevchenko A. Yu., Pahlevanyan SG INTEGRATED APPROACH IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALIGNANT TUMORS OF THE UPPER JAW //Stomatology of the Slavic States. – 2019. – S. 404-405.
3. Semennikov VI, Semennikova NV Method for the treatment of longitudinal fractures of multi-rooted teeth of the upper jaw. – 2009.

The article was checked by an expert

Klimovich Victoria Borisovna
Qualified specialist in the field of orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery and aesthetic restoration of teeth, experience – 11 years
100% Information 0003

Krasnoyarsk st. Aviators 42

Version for the visually impaired

Sat 9:00 – 17:00

Sun closed

Request a call back

Why does the jaw start to hurt from above or below and what to do?

Get a free consultation with a dentist

The jaw can hurt from below or from above – why?

Why does the jaw start to hurt

Unpleasant pain in the jaw most often occurs suddenly and usually causes a lot of discomfort. As a rule, it becomes painful to open your mouth, speak and chew food. To make a correct diagnosis, it is sometimes necessary to visit not only a dentist, but also a surgeon and a neurologist for jaw pain. Only in this case, doctors will be able to help you find the reason why your jaw may hurt and return comfort to your life.

Painful sensations – a reason to see a doctor

Sometimes pain in the jaw can be quite strong and it is very difficult to determine the source: jaw near ear

Pain is an alarm signal

Unpleasant sensations in the jaw can be the result of diseases of the jaws, teeth, gums, ears, sinuses, lymph nodes, soft tissues face and even internal organs. Therefore, there is no need to delay a visit to the doctor. The specialist will conduct diagnostic studies and prescribe treatment.

Why my jaw starts to hurt

The most common causes of jaw pain

• Complicated tooth extraction
• It usually heals 2-3 days after surgery, so don’t worry.
• Wisdom teeth eruption
• Often the “figure eight” grows incorrectly, presses on neighboring teeth, rests against the jaw bone, which causes severe discomfort.
• Diseases of the teeth
• With deep caries and its complications – pulpitis and periodontitis – it can ache in the jaw.
• Bruxism
• Night grinding of the jaws and constant clenching of the jaws can also cause jaw pain.

Why the upper jaw can hurt

This is how inflammatory processes caused by sinusitis, trigeminal neuralgia, dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, as well as carotidynia, one of the types of migraine, manifest themselves. All these diseases bring severe discomfort and require long-term treatment.

In case of injuries and bruises of the temporomandibular joint, it breaks not only the jaw, but also the entire head: forehead, temples and even cheeks. Very painful and difficult to eat and talk. Each opening of the mouth results in clicks.

Why the jaw can hurt

Why it starts to hurt in the lower jaw

• Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes
• In this case, it hurts under the jaw on the left or right. Unpleasant sensations are local.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system
• Pain in the jaw is given with lesions of the carotid or facial artery, angina pectoris and other diseases.
• Neuralgia
• Infections, injuries, hypothermia can cause damage to the facial, trigeminal and other nerves, as well as the maxillofacial region. This leads to severe pain.
• As a rule, pain in the lower jaw occurs more often, which is associated with its physiological
• building. The lower jaw is mobile, which means it is more vulnerable.

What to do when your jaw hurts

Regardless of the reasons that caused discomfort, you need to make an appointment with a doctor. He will listen to your complaints, conduct a thorough examination and X-ray diagnostics.

If necessary, you will need to consult narrow specialists – a traumatologist, neurologist, otolaryngologist and others.

Treatments for jaw pain

In case of a fracture, dislocation, bruise of the jaw, surgery is required by the surgeon. He will perform the necessary manipulations and prescribe painkillers. If the pain is caused by dental diseases, then a dentist comes to the rescue.
For symptoms caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system, neuralgia and others, you will be referred for a consultation with a cardiologist and other specialists. We recommend that you take good care of your health.
The appearance of pain is a serious reason to visit the clinic.