When you are feeling unwell, a variety of unexpected symptoms can arise, including discomfort in your jaw. This experience can be puzzling, as jaw pain is not typically the first symptom associated with common illnesses. Understanding why your jaw might ache when you are sick can help alleviate concern and guide you toward appropriate self-care or medical attention.
Common Reasons for Jaw Pain During Illness
Illnesses often trigger physiological responses that can manifest as jaw discomfort. A frequent cause involves swollen lymph nodes. During an infection, these nodes, particularly those located under the jaw and in the neck, can swell and become tender, leading to localized pain that can spread to the jaw.
Sinus pressure, common during colds or sinus infections, is another cause. The maxillary sinuses, located behind your cheeks, are near the upper jaw and teeth. Inflammation or congestion here can create radiating pressure, causing pain in the upper jaw and teeth. Ear infections also contribute to jaw pain due to the ear’s proximity to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Inflammation and swelling from an ear infection can radiate to surrounding jaw muscles.
Muscle strain and tension frequently accompany illness. Persistent coughing, sneezing, or mouth breathing from nasal congestion can strain jaw, face, and neck muscles, leading to soreness. General body aches from systemic infections also contribute to jaw discomfort. Dehydration, common when sick, can exacerbate muscle aches. Illnesses can also aggravate pre-existing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or dental problems.
Managing Jaw Discomfort While Sick
Several at-home strategies can help alleviate jaw pain experienced during an illness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce both pain and any associated inflammation. These medications provide temporary relief for mild to moderate discomfort. Applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area can also be soothing. A warm compress can increase blood flow and relax jaw muscles, while a cold compress can help numb pain and reduce swelling.
Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall recovery and can help reduce muscle discomfort, including jaw pain. Resting sufficiently allows the body to conserve energy and focus on healing. Consuming a diet of soft foods minimizes jaw movement and strain, giving the jaw muscles and joints a chance to rest. Recommended options include:
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Soft-cooked fish
If appropriate and without causing increased pain, gentle jaw exercises or stretches can help relieve tension and improve mobility. These include relaxed jaw exercises, chin tucks, and controlled jaw opening movements. Addressing the underlying illness, such as using decongestants for sinus pressure, can also indirectly relieve jaw pain.
When to Consult a Doctor
While jaw pain during illness is often temporary, certain signs indicate that medical attention is needed. You should consult a healthcare provider if the jaw pain is severe, rapidly worsening, or debilitating, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Significant limitation in jaw movement or difficulty opening your mouth to eat or speak warrants evaluation.
Persistent jaw pain that lingers long after other illness symptoms have subsided should also be assessed. Accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, swelling, or redness, especially if localized around the jaw area, could signal a more serious infection.
Any new or unusual lumps or swelling in the jaw or neck area, not clearly identifiable as typical swollen lymph nodes, should be checked by a doctor. Additionally, if the pain or swelling is disproportionately on only one side of the jaw, it may indicate a specific underlying issue that requires professional diagnosis.