Although some urgent dental issues can be prevented with a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine and regular checkups with your provider, sometimes they’re due to circumstances beyond your control. For example, you might develop jaw pain on one side of your mouth and not know why.
It’s natural to wonder whether your achy jawbone counts as a dental emergency and how your dentist can help. If you’re hurting and don’t know why, continue reading to learn 3 potential reasons for the soreness and what can be done about them!
Cause #1: TMJ Disorders
Your jaw is connected to your skull via two sliding disc joints, the TMJ (temporomandibular joints). These are responsible for your mouth’s range of motion; they allow you to open and close it, shift it side to side, and jut it forward and back.
However, if they’re overworked, it can trigger aches and inflammation that often require professional intervention to address. If you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, or have a dental or bite misalignment, this could very well be the reason that one side of your face feels sore. Your dentist can provide options, like a custom-fitted nightguard to cushion your upper and lower arches, that give your jawbone a chance to rest and recover.
Cause #2: Sinus Concerns
Inflammation in your nasal cavities on one side or the other can also lead to facial distension and pressure. For instance, if the maxillary sinuses behind your cheeks fill with gunk, you’re likely to feel discomfort on that side of your jaw.
This condition often results from common health concerns, like seasonal allergies or the common cold. It often clears up on its own, but if you experience sinus aches for more than 10 days, you should contact your primary care provider about a possible infection. In many cases, they’ll prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Cause #3: Oral Issues
You might also experience tenderness in the left or right side of your face if you’ve developed one or more oral issues. Plenty of dental problems, like cavities, gum disease, infected or abscessed teeth, and even the arrival of your wisdom teeth, can cause throbbing in one or both sides of your mouth.
Your dentist will examine your condition and provide appropriate solutions based on their findings. Whether you need a tooth-colored filling or a root canal and dental crown, they’re sure to have options to repair the damage and alleviate your pain.
About the Practice
At Sound Dentistry, you benefit from a team of specialists and general dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain your happiest, healthiest smile. Dr. El-Ghadi, Dr. Govostes, and Dr. Kitsos share decades of combined experience and collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to tailor treatment plans to your unique needs and deliver accurate results. If your jaw hurts and you need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (508) 230-3737.