Did you wake up with a jaw ache on either side? Nothing might be more aggravating and worrying than a jaw discomfort that saps your attitude and energy, whether you’re at work, catching up with friends, or enjoying time with loved ones. You could be perplexed why does one side of my jaw hurt. Because there are various causes of a sore jaw, the first crucial step in seeking therapy is determining the source of your discomfort.

Your jaw is a sensitive component of the human body, and grinding it too hard or doing other things might make it more uncomfortable and cause jaw discomfort on one side. This guide will look at possible reasons for one-sided jaw discomfort and other symptoms.

Read more about the many reasons for one-sided jaw discomfort and when you should visit your dentist.

Anatomy

The jaw relates to the top and lowers bone components invertebrates that create the framing of the mouth and serve as tooth receptacles. Jaw discomfort gets often connected with the mandibular or lower jaw, the most rigid bone in the mouth.

The TMJ is a pivoting brace that enables you to accomplish everyday things like eating, swallowing, speaking, and yawning. Problems with this region may cause jaw pain, and understanding its structure assists in the correct assessment of jaw discomfort, whether minor or severe. Let’s look at why does one side of my jaw hurt.

Why Does One Side Of My Jaw Hurt?

Here are some of the main reasons why one side of your jaw hurts. 

TMJ Problems

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases cause these joints and the hinges muscles to be dysfunctional. TMJ dysfunction signs include difficulties extending the mouth and a snapping or cracking tone from the jaw.

It is typical to have a painful and sensitive jaw. You might even have discomfort surrounding your ears, as well as jaw ache while eating or gulping.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, or swelling in the nasal passage, is an even more prevalent reason for answering your query about why one side of my jaw hurt.

The flu or infections are the most common causes of sinusitis. Because the illness produces swelling in the spaces behind your cheeks, either side of the jaw may experience discomfort.

Stuffy nose, yellow or green mucous, lethargy, and face discomfort and tension are all signs of sinusitis. It’s advisable to see a dentist if the symptoms linger for more than one week.

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Issues With The Teeth

Cavities, abscesses, molar teeth, gum problems, absent or misplaced teeth, or gripping and crushing are all common causes of discomfort on one side of your jaw. Suppose you have one-sided jaw discomfort caused by dental disease.

You may also have additional signs such as terrible breath, vulnerable teeth, ulcers in your mouth, sharp pain, bleeding, hurting gums, or discomfort while consuming and biting.

Note: An abscessed tooth is a prevalent cause of discomfort in the cheek and jaw. Infection occurs when the tooth pulp, including cells, tissues, and arteries, gets exposed to germs. When this bacteria spreads to the gums and bone, it causes discomfort in the mouth and stiffness in the jaw.

These problems aren’t persistent, but they might cause jaw discomfort on one side. Your medical professional might rule out such possibilities if there is no reasonable explanation for your pain.

Bruxism

Teeth grinds, commonly referred to as bruxism, are among the top reasons for jaw discomfort. Bruxism has nothing to do with the motion of your teeth during biting or consuming, and it is associated with excessive teeth clenching or gripping.

Many people who struggle with bruxism crush their teeth while asleep, which leads to severe tooth damage, gum inflammation, and uncomfortable jaw muscles. Grinding your teeth at nighttime is even worse than crushing your teeth during the day.

Since your natural defensive reflexes cease functioning when you nap, the crushing might intensify.

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Note: Many patients may awaken with jaw discomfort on either side of their face. Redness and pain are other signs. The most common reasons for teeth clenching include tension, worry, narcotics, and coffee.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bony inflammation triggered by germs that travels via the bloodstream and infects bones and flesh. When it affects the jaw, it causes discomfort, temperature, and swelling in the face.

Most infections arise due to germs entering the body due to a jaw crack or bad teeth brushing regimen after a dentist’s operation or surgery. Men are more likely to get affected by this disorder, which commonly develops in the lower jawbone.

Cysts

Cysts are tissue lumps that get frequently filled with fluid. Although having a cyst in your jaw is uncommon, it may happen. Some are malignant, while others may have a significant influence on your dental health by eroding bone and tissue.

It’s critical to arrange an appointment with the doctor if you see any indicators like white or red patches, bulge, growing, bleeding ulcers, jaw or face inflammation, or granulation tissue surrounding your teeth.

When Should You Visit A Doctor If Your Jaw Hurts?

Although jaw discomfort isn’t always significant, it might indicate a more severe disease that needs care. Here are some more indicators that it’s time to seek medical advice:

• Difficult to eat, sip, gulp down, or breathe.
• It’s hard to flex the mouth as freely as you normally would due to pain.
• You experience persistent swelling or persistent fever.
• You’re in excruciating agony that vanishes after a discharge of salty fluids that feels and stinks.

Note: A high temperature, excruciating pain, or inflammation impairs your capacity to inhale and consume are all dangerous signs that need immediate medical attention.

Bottom Line

One-sided jaw pain isn’t anything to ignore. If you experience jaw pain and these other signs, go to emergency treatment rather than delaying a doctor’s appointment. It will assist you in treating the discomfort and preventing it from becoming worse.