Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that form on the soft tissues inside the mouth or at the base of the gums. They appear as round or oval sores with a white or yellow center surrounded by a red border. These sores can develop on the inner surfaces of the cheeks or lips, on or under the tongue, or on the soft palate. While often small, canker sores can be quite painful and can cause discomfort that extends to the jaw.
Why Canker Sores Can Cause Jaw Pain
A canker sore can lead to jaw discomfort through several physiological mechanisms. One mechanism is referred pain, where the pain from the sore is perceived elsewhere. The complex network of nerves in the head and neck can cause the brain to misinterpret the source of pain, leading to sensations in areas like the jaw, ear, or temple.
Another contributing factor is muscle tension and guarding. When a canker sore is present, individuals may unconsciously alter their normal jaw movements to avoid irritating the sore. This can involve changes in how they chew, speak, or the resting position of their jaw. Sustained tension in the jaw muscles can result from this guarding behavior.
This prolonged muscle tension can manifest as soreness, stiffness, and pain in the jaw, similar to a muscle strain experienced elsewhere in the body. The jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and its surrounding muscles are active during everyday functions. When these muscles are held in tension to protect an oral sore, it can lead to discomfort that radiates to the jaw area.
Inflammation associated with the canker sore can also play a role in broader discomfort. While inflammation is primarily localized around the ulcer, a severe or large sore can contribute to irritation that may extend to nearby tissues and structures. The body’s inflammatory response, though focused on healing the sore, can indirectly contribute to discomfort in adjacent areas.
Alleviating Discomfort and When to Seek Medical Advice
Managing the pain from a canker sore and associated jaw discomfort often involves a combination of over-the-counter remedies and self-care. For the canker sore itself, topical anesthetics containing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine can be applied directly to numb the area and provide temporary pain relief. Mouth rinses, such as those with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or a simple saltwater or baking soda solution, can help keep the area clean and reduce irritation. Oral pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage the overall discomfort.
To address jaw discomfort, eating soft foods can reduce the strain on jaw muscles during chewing. Applying a warm compress to the affected jaw area can help relax tense muscles and alleviate soreness. Gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly opening and closing the mouth while keeping teeth apart, or light massage of the jaw muscles, can also promote relaxation and improve comfort. Avoiding excessive jaw movements, such as wide yawning or chewing gum, also helps.
It is important to consult a doctor or dentist if jaw pain persists or worsens even after the canker sore has healed. Seek medical advice if you experience difficulty opening or closing your mouth, notice clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint, or have accompanying symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes. Additionally, medical attention is needed if the canker sore is large, occurs frequently, or does not show signs of healing within two to three weeks. While canker sores can cause jaw discomfort, these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, so a professional evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis and care.