Pain in the left jaw when yawning can be uncomfortable. This common occurrence prompts questions about its origins. Such discomfort often signals underlying issues within the jaw’s structures. This article explores the reasons for jaw pain during yawning, outlines steps for relief, and explains when to seek professional guidance.
Understanding Jaw Pain
The jaw’s movement relies on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which connect the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull’s temporal bone on each side of the head. These joints allow for hinge-like movements (opening and closing) and sliding motions (forward, backward, and side-to-side). A small, fibrous disc acts as a cushion between the bones within each joint, ensuring smooth and efficient movement.
Several muscles coordinate with the TMJs to control jaw movement. These include the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, responsible for lifting, lowering, and moving the jaw. Yawning involves a particularly wide opening of the mouth, stretching these muscles and joints beyond their typical range of motion. This extensive movement can place considerable stress on the TMJ and its surrounding musculature. Pain localized to the left jaw often indicates an issue specific to the TMJ or muscles on that side.
Common Causes of Jaw Discomfort
The most frequent reason for jaw pain, especially when yawning, is temporomandibular disorders (TMD), conditions affecting the jaw joints and muscles. Within the TMJ, the cushioning disc can become displaced or eroded, or the joint itself might experience inflammation or arthritis. Such issues can lead to pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty in fully opening or closing the mouth.
Muscle strain and spasms also contribute to jaw discomfort. Habits like bruxism, the grinding or clenching of teeth often unconsciously during sleep, can overwork the jaw muscles. Stress and anxiety also contribute significantly to muscle tension in the jaw, leading to fatigue and pain in muscles like the masseter or temporalis. Overuse from chewing gum frequently or consuming hard, chewy foods can also strain these muscles, making wide movements like yawning uncomfortable.
Dental problems can also refer pain to the jaw. Issues such as deep cavities, abscessed teeth, or gum disease can cause discomfort that radiates to the jaw area. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth or a misaligned bite can place uneven pressure on the jaw joint and muscles, contributing to pain. Less commonly, conditions like sinus infections can cause referred pain to the jaw due to their close proximity to the TMJ.
Immediate Relief and Home Care
For immediate relief, several self-care strategies can help. Applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes can help reduce discomfort and relax tense muscles. A warm compress can increase blood flow and ease stiffness, while a cold pack can help numb pain and reduce inflammation.
Modifying your diet to include softer foods, such as mashed potatoes, soups, and yogurt, can give your jaw a much-needed rest. Avoid hard, crunchy, or excessively chewy foods, and chewing gum, which can exacerbate jaw strain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, can also help manage pain and inflammation.
Gentle jaw exercises and massage techniques can promote muscle relaxation and improve jaw mobility. Simple movements like slowly opening and closing the mouth or gently massaging jaw muscles can be beneficial. Since stress often contributes to jaw clenching, incorporating stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help alleviate tension. When yawning, try to support your jaw with your hand to prevent excessive opening and reduce strain on the joint.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many instances of jaw pain during yawning respond to home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional evaluation. If jaw pain persists for over a week or worsens despite self-care, consult a healthcare provider. Severe pain impacting daily activities like eating or speaking also warrants medical attention.
Specific symptoms suggesting an underlying issue include jaw locking (open or closed) or persistent difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth. While clicking or popping sounds in the jaw are common, seek professional assessment if accompanied by pain or limited jaw movement. Additional symptoms like chronic headaches, earaches, facial swelling, or fever with jaw pain should prompt a visit to a doctor or dentist. If jaw pain develops after injury or trauma, seek professional medical advice to rule out more serious conditions.