Right-sided jaw pain can be concerning. It often signals an underlying issue, from muscular tension to more complex conditions. While many cases are temporary, persistent or severe symptoms require attention. Understanding potential causes helps in seeking appropriate care.
Issues with the Jaw Joint and Surrounding Muscles
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jawbone to the skull, enabling movements like chewing and speaking. Disorders affecting this joint, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), frequently cause pain in the jaw, face, and surrounding areas. Symptoms include jaw tenderness, aching around the ear, or discomfort when chewing. Individuals might also experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint, or a sensation of the jaw locking. Causes of TMD can include jaw injury, arthritis, or displacement of the joint’s shock-absorbing disc.
Beyond the joint, muscles controlling jaw movement can also cause pain. These muscles, like the masseter and temporalis, can become strained or tense from stress or repetitive actions. This fatigue may lead to a dull ache in front of the ear, on the lower jaw, or over the temples. Activities such as prolonged yawning, extensive dental procedures, or habitually clenching teeth can induce muscle strain. Severe strain can result in stiffness, tenderness, and limited jaw movement.
Dental and Oral Health Conditions
Right jaw pain can frequently stem from issues within the teeth or gums. Common dental problems like cavities, tooth abscesses, or cracked teeth can cause pain that radiates into the jawbone. An impacted wisdom tooth, especially a lower right one, can exert pressure and lead to discomfort in the surrounding jaw area.
Severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, involves gum inflammation that can affect the bone supporting the teeth. This can result in bone loss and pain extending into the jaw. Bruxism, an involuntary habit of teeth grinding or clenching often occurring during sleep, also contributes to muscle strain. Bruxism directly impacts tooth wear and places stress on the jaw joint, leading to localized pain. A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, where upper and lower teeth do not properly meet, can contribute to uneven pressure on the jaw joint and muscles, causing strain and discomfort.
Referred Pain and Other Underlying Conditions
Cardiac Issues
Sometimes, right jaw pain is referred from other body parts, not originating in the jaw itself. One example is cardiac issues, where jaw pain, often on the right side, can be a symptom of angina or a heart attack, especially in women. This pain is concerning if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort radiating down the left arm, requiring immediate medical attention.
Sinusitis and Ear Infections
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus cavities, can cause referred pain. If the right maxillary sinus is inflamed, pressure and irritation can be perceived as pain in the upper right jaw and teeth. Ear infections, due to their proximity to the jaw joint, can radiate pain to the jaw area, sometimes mimicking TMJ discomfort.
Other Conditions
Less common, but severe, conditions like trigeminal neuralgia involve a nerve disorder causing intense, electric-shock-like pain in the face, including the jaw, often affecting only one side. Salivary gland issues, such as inflammation (sialadenitis) or salivary stones in the right parotid or submandibular gland, can also lead to pain and swelling in the jaw region. Direct injury or trauma to the jaw, such as a fracture or dislocation from a blow, can also be an immediate cause of right-sided jaw pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of jaw pain resolve with self-care, certain symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation. Immediate medical attention is necessary if right jaw pain is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the left arm, sudden and severe pain, or an inability to open or close the mouth. Other urgent signs include fever, significant swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
For less acute but persistent pain, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. This includes jaw pain that is severe, interferes with daily activities like eating or speaking, or does not improve with typical home remedies over a few days. A doctor or dentist can accurately diagnose the specific cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.