Jaw pain is a relatively common symptom that can be associated with a variety of diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, jawbones, temporomandibular joints and associated muscles, facial soft tissues or nerves in this area.
In some cases, the pain may be short-lived and subside on its own, but when it is prolonged, severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
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Most common causes of jaw pain
Pain in the jaw area can have different origins. Among the most common causes are:
Inflammatory processes around the teeth
Infections of the teeth and surrounding tissues are one of the most common causes of jaw pain. They can be associated with:
- deep caries
- inflammation of the tooth nerve (pulpitis)
- granuloma around the root of the tooth
- inflammation of the gums or surrounding tissues
- formation of purulent collections in soft tissues - abscesses and phlegmon
These conditions are often accompanied by swelling, sensitivity to chewing or increased sensitivity to hot and cold.
Diseases of the temporomandibular joint
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone and the base of the skull, and plays an important role in speaking, chewing and swallowing.
Violations in the function of this joint can cause:
- pain in the jaw
- popping or clicking when moving
- restricted mouth opening
- discomfort when chewing
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Detained or inflamed sages
A common cause of pain in the back of the jaw is problems related to the wisdom teeth. When they cannot break through and position themselves properly, inflammation of the surrounding tissues can develop.
This condition can cause:
- pain in the jaw
- swelling of the gums and surrounding soft tissues
- difficulty opening the mouth
- unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth
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Injuries of the jaw
Pain in the jaw can be the result of facial trauma, including disruption of the integrity of the bone, with:
- impact or fall
- sports injuries
- traffic accidents
In such cases, there may be swelling, difficulty moving the jaw or a change in bite.
Cysts and tumours
In some cases, pain may be associated with cysts or tumor growths in the jaw area. These conditions often develop slowly and may go unnoticed for a long time.
Among the possible symptoms are:
- swelling of the jaw
- pain or discomfort
- tooth misalignment
- tingling in the lip or chin area
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When jaw pain requires examination
It is advisable to seek medical or dental advice from:
- severe or prolonged pain
- swelling of the face or jaw
- difficulty opening the mouth
- pain when chewing
- numbness or decreased sensitivity in the face
Such symptoms can be associated with various diseases and require accurate diagnosis.
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The importance of early diagnosis
Timely examination by a specialist allows to establish the cause of the pain and determine the most appropriate treatment. Many diseases in the maxillofacial region can be successfully treated when diagnosed at an early stage.
Author:
Bulgarian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery