Feeling jaw pain on just one side can be unsettling, especially if it appears suddenly or interferes with eating or speaking. While one-sided jaw pain is often not serious, it can signal a variety of underlying issues related to muscles, joints, teeth, or nerves. Understanding potential causes can help you decide when to manage symptoms at home and when professional care may be needed.
Muscle Strain or Overuse
One of the most common causes of jaw pain on one side is muscle strain. Clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth at night, or chewing gum excessively can overwork the muscles on one side of the face.
Stress often plays a role as well. When people are anxious or tense, they may unconsciously tighten their jaw muscles, leading to soreness or stiffness that feels localized to one side.
Temporomandibular Joint Issues
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects the jaw to the skull and allows it to move smoothly. If this joint becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain on one or both sides of the jaw.
TMJ discomfort may be accompanied by clicking sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or pain that radiates to the ear or temple. Jaw pain related to the TMJ is often more noticeable when chewing or yawning.
Dental Problems
Tooth-related issues are another frequent cause of one-sided jaw pain. An untreated cavity, cracked tooth, or dental infection can cause pain that radiates into the jawbone.
Wisdom teeth may also be responsible, especially if they are impacted or partially erupted. Infections or pressure from these teeth often affect only one side of the mouth, leading to localized discomfort.
Sinus or Ear-Related Causes
Sinus infections or congestion can sometimes create pressure that feels like jaw pain. The upper jaw sits close to the sinus cavities, and inflammation in this area may cause discomfort on one side of the face.
Similarly, ear infections or inner ear issues can cause pain that radiates to the jaw, making it difficult to pinpoint the source without an evaluation.
Injury or Trauma
A recent injury, even a minor one, can lead to jaw pain on one side. Accidental impact, sports injuries, or dental trauma may not always cause immediate symptoms, but pain can develop over time as inflammation sets in.
If jaw pain follows an accident or blow to the face, it should be assessed promptly.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
Jaw pain that is severe, worsening, or accompanied by swelling, fever, difficulty opening the mouth, or signs of infection should not be ignored. Sudden pain following dental trauma or persistent pain that interferes with daily activities may require attention from an emergency dentist.
Early evaluation can help prevent complications and provide relief sooner.
Jaw pain on one side is often manageable, but knowing when to seek care can make all the difference.
About the Practice
Dr. Sheng Ji specializes in comprehensive oral and maxillofacial care, including emergency dental services for patients experiencing jaw pain, facial discomfort, or dental trauma. Our experienced oral team focuses on accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment to help patients find relief and protect long-term oral health.
Call us at (916) 961-1902 or request an appointment online.