Why Does My Jaw Hurt on One Side? Common Causes and Solutions
TMJ pain can feel like an unexpected guest overstaying its welcome. You wake up, yawn, or bite your favourite meal, only to feel a sharp or dull ache on one side of your jaw.
It’s frustrating and, sometimes, downright alarming. Understanding what’s causing that discomfort is the first step toward relief.
TMJ Disorder: The Usual Suspect
One of the most common culprits for jaw pain on one side is TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). This joint on either side of your jaw is responsible for all your movements—talking, chewing, yawning, and even clenching during stressful moments.
When this joint isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain on one side of the jaw
- Sounds that click or pop as you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Jaw locking or limited movement
TMJ issues can stem from various factors, such as grinding your teeth at night (often without even realising it), poor posture, stress, or an uneven bite. The pain may fluctuate in intensity, but ignoring it can lead to more persistent discomfort.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
You might not be aware, but clenching or grinding your teeth may cause headaches or jaw pain when you wake up. This habit, known as bruxism, often happens while you sleep or during moments of high stress.
Over time, this constant pressure on your jaw muscles and joints can lead to one-sided jaw pain, especially if your grinding habit favours one side more.
Clenching and grinding wear down your teeth and significantly strain your TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Stress management techniques and a custom night guard from your dentist can help protect your jaw and reduce the pain.
Dental Issues: Cavities, Abscesses, and Misaligned Teeth
Sometimes, the pain isn’t rooted in your jaw joint but in your teeth. A severe cavity, dental abscess, or even an impacted wisdom tooth can cause significant discomfort that radiates to the jaw.
If the pain seems localised to one side and intensifies when you bite down, a dental issue might be the hidden culprit.
Misaligned teeth can also throw off the balance of your bite, causing uneven pressure on one side of your jaw.
Over time, this imbalance may result in TMJ pain and muscular tension. Visiting your Campbelltown dentist for a thorough examination can pinpoint the issue and provide much-needed relief.
Sinus Problems
If you’re dealing with a sinus infection or persistent allergies, you might notice a dull ache in your upper jaw. The sinuses above your upper jaw can inflame and press against surrounding tissues.
The pain often mimics toothache or jaw discomfort, particularly on one side.
Treating the underlying sinus condition with decongestants, antihistamines, or prescribed medicine can alleviate the pressure and ease jaw pain.
Trauma or Injury
An apparent yet often overlooked cause of one-sided jaw pain is trauma or injury. A direct blow to the jaw, a fall, or even a minor bump that you’ve forgotten about could lead to lingering discomfort.
Sometimes, the injury may not seem significant at first but can result in a sprain or strain in the jaw muscles or TMJ.
If you suspect an injury, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and consulting a healthcare professional can help prevent long-term complications.
Arthritis and Inflammation
Arthritis can affect the TMJ just like any other joint. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can also result in pain, inflammation, and restricted jaw movement.
These conditions can also lead to cartilage breakdown, resulting in a rough, grinding sensation when you move your jaw.
While arthritis in the TMJ is less common, it’s not unheard of, particularly as one age. Managing the inflammation through medicine, physical therapy, or specialised dental appliances can significantly improve one’s quality of life.
Stress: The Silent Agitator
You might not realise it, but stress has a sneaky way of manifesting in your body, particularly in your jaw. When stressed, you may unconsciously clench your jaw throughout the day or grind your teeth at night.
This constant tension strains your jaw muscles and TMJ, leading to pain, often on one side.
Finding ways to manage stress—whether through exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking a few deep breaths—can help ease discomfort and reduce jaw tightness.
Finding Relief: What You Can Do
Now that you have a clearer picture of what might be causing your one-sided jaw pain, it’s time to explore some solutions.
Here are a few steps you can take:
- Apply a warm or cold compress: Warmth can help relax tight muscles, while cold can reduce inflammation.
- Practice jaw exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by your dentist or physical therapist can help improve jaw function.
- Use a night guard: If grinding or clenching is the issue, a custom-made nightguard might lessen TMJ discomfort and safeguard your teeth.
- Manage stress: Include relaxing methods in your regular practice, such as meditation or deep breathing.
- Consult your dentist or healthcare provider: Persistent pain should never be ignored. Professionals can correctly identify the issue and suggest the most effective solution.
Take Control of Your Jaw Health Today
Jaw pain on one side doesn’t have to control your life. By being aware of the possible causes and obtaining the appropriate care, you can find relief and resume enjoying the basic activities of eating, talking, and smiling without experiencing any discomfort.
TMJ Treatment in Campbelltown
If you’re struggling with one-sided jaw pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact us today, and let’s work together to uncover the cause and create a personalised plan to get you feeling your best again.
At Marketfair Dental Care, we use the most suitable and economical methods, treating each patient as we would our own family.
Call (02) 4620 0800 or make an online appointment.
Visit us at Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.