Left jaw pain can range from a mild ache to sharp, debilitating discomfort. While sometimes temporary, it can signal underlying conditions needing attention. Understanding its origins is key to finding relief. This discomfort, though focused on one side, often arises from interconnected systems within the head and neck.
Joint and Muscle Issues
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), connecting your jawbone to your skull, is a common source of left jaw pain when dysfunctional. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) cause pain, tenderness, clicking, popping, or difficulty chewing. These issues stem from disc erosion, misalignment, or cartilage damage.
Jaw muscles also contribute to pain through strain or spasm. Overuse from chewing, clenching, or stress leads to tension and soreness. This discomfort often radiates to the jaw, cheek, or side of the head.
Arthritis forms can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis, involving cartilage breakdown, leads to stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can cause swelling and tenderness.
Dental and Oral Health Conditions
Tooth and gum problems frequently cause jaw discomfort, often as referred pain. A deep cavity, dental abscess, or cracked tooth can radiate pain into the left jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth also exert pressure, causing significant left-sided jaw pain.
Gum disease, specifically periodontitis, is severe gum inflammation affecting teeth’s supporting structures. As infection progresses, it damages bone and ligaments, leading to localized pain extending into the adjacent jaw. Poor oral hygiene often causes this condition.
Bruxism, habitual teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, stresses jaw muscles and the TMJ. This pressure leads to muscle fatigue, soreness, and pain upon waking. Chronic bruxism can also cause tooth wear and sensitivity.
Other Potential Contributors
Left jaw pain can stem from nerve conditions where signals are disrupted. Trigeminal neuralgia, for example, causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain affecting the left jaw. This intense pain typically occurs in brief episodes triggered by activities like chewing or touching the face.
Sinus issues, such as a sinus infection (sinusitis) or pressure buildup in the maxillary sinuses, can cause referred pain to the upper jaw and cheek. Located right above the upper jaw, inflammation or congestion can lead to pain feeling like it originates in the left jaw. This discomfort often accompanies nasal congestion or facial pressure.
Left jaw pain can also signal a more serious underlying condition, such as referred pain from a heart issue. Angina, chest pain from reduced heart blood flow, can radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw. During a heart attack, jaw pain may occur with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or sweating. Psychological stress and anxiety can increase jaw muscle tension, contributing to or worsening existing pain.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Seek immediate medical evaluation if left jaw pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Urgent attention is warranted for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating alongside jaw pain, as these could indicate a heart issue. Prompt medical care is also necessary for difficulty breathing, swallowing, or inability to open or close your mouth.
Consult a healthcare professional if left jaw pain persists for several days without improvement. Severe pain that interferes with daily activities like eating or speaking, or progressively worsens, should be evaluated. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend a treatment plan.