What Jaw Pain on Only One Side Really Means
Posted on 3/15/2025 by Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery |
 Jaw pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. While it’s usually not a sign of anything serious, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life. If you're experiencing jaw pain on only one side, it's important to see a doctor or dentist to determine the cause and get the right treatment.
There are many different things that can cause jaw pain on one side, including:
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Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): TMJ is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ can cause pain, clicking, and popping in the jaw. |
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Toothache: A toothache can cause pain that radiates to the jaw. |
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Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull. Sinusitis can cause pain in the upper jaw. |
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Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes severe pain in the face. |
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Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding. |
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Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can affect the jaw joint, causing pain and stiffness. |
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Dental problems: Dental problems such as a cracked tooth, impacted tooth, or abscessed tooth can cause pain in the jaw. |
In some cases, jaw pain on one side can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a tumor or an infection. If you're experiencing severe jaw pain or other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or facial swelling, it's important to see a doctor right away.
How is Jaw Pain on One Side Diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing jaw pain on one side is taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam. Your doctor or dentist will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them worse. They will also examine your jaw, face, and neck for any signs of inflammation, swelling, or tenderness.
Depending on your symptoms and the results of the physical exam, your doctor or dentist may order additional tests, such as:
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X-rays: X-rays can be used to rule out dental problems such as a cracked tooth or an abscessed tooth. |
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CT scan: A CT scan can provide more detailed images of the jaw joint and surrounding structures. |
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MRI scan: An MRI scan can be used to visualize the nerves and blood vessels in the jaw. |
How is Jaw Pain on One Side Treated?
The treatment for jaw pain on one side will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, home remedies such as over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and heat packs can be used to manage the pain.
If you have TMJ, your doctor or dentist may recommend treatments such as:
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Mouth guards: A mouth guard can help to protect your teeth and jaw from damage. |
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Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in your jaw. |
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Medications: Medications such as muscle relaxants or antidepressants may be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. |
For other causes of jaw pain, such as sinusitis or gum disease, your doctor or dentist will treat the underlying condition.
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe jaw pain or a structural problem with the jaw joint.
Prevention of Jaw Pain
There are a few things you can do to prevent jaw pain on one side, including:
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Practice good oral care: Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups can help to prevent dental problems that can cause jaw pain. |
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Avoid clenching your jaw: Clenching your jaw can put stress on the jaw joint and lead to TMJ. Try to relax your jaw muscles throughout the day. |
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Avoid chewing gum: Chewing gum can also put stress on the jaw joint. |
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Manage stress: Stress can contribute to TMJ and other jaw disorders. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation. |
If you're experiencing jaw pain on one side, don't hesitate to see your doctor or dentist. They can help you determine the cause and get the right treatment. With proper treatment, jaw pain can usually be resolved and you can get back to enjoying your life.
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