Your jaw is like any other joint in your body: it allows bones to move around with the support provided by soft tissues like tendons, cartilage, and muscles. And as a joint that’s in constant use every day, it’s not uncommon for people who haven’t had an injury to develop pain on one side of their jaw from at least a few different issues. So, how can you find relief, and how can you prevent this jaw pain from happening again?
Causes of jaw pain on one side
Jaw pain is often a sign that something isn’t working quite right, but the underlying causes can vary widely. As you might imagine, treating the actual underlying cause is the key to finding effective treatment, which begins with understanding your symptoms and what they might mean.
Injury/damage
One of the most straightforward causes of one-sided jaw pain is injury or trauma. Did you bang your jaw, stretch it awkwardly, or experience an accident recently? A physical injury can directly impact the bones, muscles, or soft tissue in your jaw, causing it to hurt on one side.
Even if it’s a minor injury, your jaw’s complex joint structure means pain can linger for longer than you may expect, or arise hours after the injury.
Healing the jaw from an injury typically requires resting it as much as possible, perhaps even using ice on the part that hurts to reduce inflammation.
Repetitive use
Repetitive jaw movements caused by things outside of your normal routine such as chewing gum, eating particularly tough foods, or even talking more than usual can overwork the muscles and joints around your mouth. This strain can result in discomfort on one or both sides of your jaw.
It may seem trivial, but repetitive stress can lead to inflammation if left unchecked. If you’re noticing jaw pain after a particularly long phone call or an afternoon of chewing gum, rest your jaw and see if the pain improves after a day or two.
TMJ disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects each side of your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders occur when there’s dysfunction in this joint. Symptoms often include jaw pain, clicking sounds when you move your mouth, headaches, and even difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully.
TMJ problems are a leading cause of jaw pain, whether on one side or both, and they can stem from:
- Stress-induced clenching or tooth grinding
- Misalignment or wear-and-tear in the joint
- Previous trauma or injury to the jaw
If you notice symptoms like jaw tightness, frequent headaches, or chronic jaw discomfort, it may be time to consult a professional for TMJ disorder treatment.
Tooth alignment
Anyone who’s had orthodontia knows the ache of tooth repositioning all too well. Whether you’re currently going through a treatment or are experiencing tooth movement long after your braces came off, tooth pain can quickly become a jaw ache.
Ask your dentist or orthodontist about any noticeable changes in tooth alignment and make a plan with them to correct it, which can alleviate the jaw pain on that side of your mouth.
Headaches
Although it might be common sense that clenching your jaw can cause a headache, did you know the opposite can be true? Sometimes, a headache can refer pain into the jaw or result in a person clenching their jaw muscles in response to the pain you’re feeling in your head.
Headache, jaw pain, jaw clenching, and tooth grinding often go hand in hand. If your jaw is hurting on one side, you’ve had more headaches than usual lately, and/or your dentist has mentioned or diagnosed you with bruxism (medical term for tooth grinding), you may have temporomandibular joint disorder that can benefit from treatment.
Treating left or right jaw pain
As we’ve mentioned, different underlying causes will mean different treatments will be more effective for the pain you’re having on one side of your jaw. Sometimes people can self-diagnose confidently and treat their pain with rest, ice, and time. However, for the best results and a tailored treatment plan, we recommend seeing a health professional like your dentist or one of our Physical Therapists, who can provide an assessment and diagnosis of the pain in your jaw.
Why does my jaw hurt? Let’s figure it out together.
One-sided jaw pain can be caused by an injury, everyday habits, or underlying conditions like TMJ disorder or bruxism. The good news is that jaw pain is treatable and there are a range of solutions to help ease your discomfort.
At Border Therapy Services, we treat the whole person, not just the symptom that’s most obvious. Our therapists can help evaluate your jaw pain and identify any contributing factors, such as posture, muscle tension, or joint dysfunction to help you find effective relief fast.
Learn more about your options for jaw pain treatment by calling one of our El Paso clinics or by requesting an appointment online today. Our team will help you figure out the right course of action, even if it means seeking care elsewhere.
