Jaw pain, whether a dull ache or sharp discomfort, is a common experience. It refers to discomfort or soreness in the jawbone, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the surrounding muscles and tissues. The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull, enabling movements such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. This discomfort can range from mild to severe, from acute to chronic, persisting over weeks or months.
Joint and Muscle-Related Causes
Right-sided jaw pain often originates from issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its controlling muscles. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition where the TMJ and its surrounding muscles do not function correctly, leading to discomfort. Symptoms of TMD include pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain in or around the ear, and difficulty or pain while chewing.
The jaw joint may also click or grate when opening or chewing. In some cases, the joint might lock, making it difficult to open or close the mouth completely. Factors contributing to TMD can include habits like teeth clenching or grinding, often associated with stress, or trauma to the jaw.
Muscle strain or overuse also contributes to jaw pain. Excessive chewing, frequent gum chewing, or even wide yawning can strain the jaw muscles, leading to fatigue and pain. Poor posture, especially when using electronic devices, can also affect jaw alignment and contribute to muscle strain.
Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching, is a frequent cause of jaw pain, especially when it occurs during sleep. Many are unaware they grind their teeth at night until symptoms appear, such as jaw soreness or pain upon waking. This involuntary habit puts excessive pressure on the jaw muscles and the TMJ, leading to inflammation and reduced jaw mobility. Stress and anxiety are common triggers for both awake and sleep bruxism.
Dental and Oral Health Issues
Right-sided jaw pain can also stem from problems within the teeth, gums, or other oral structures. Cavities, or tooth decay, can cause referred pain to the jaw when the decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth, affecting the nerves. When the pulp, housing the tooth’s nerves, becomes inflamed or infected, the pain can radiate, creating a throbbing or sharp sensation in the jaw.
Impacted wisdom teeth, third molars typically emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood, can cause significant pain and pressure in the jaw. If these teeth do not erupt properly, they can remain trapped between the jawbone and gum tissue, leading to inflammation, swelling, and discomfort in the surrounding areas. The pain may manifest as a dull ache or throbbing discomfort in the back of the mouth and jaw, sometimes radiating to the ear or neck.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can also contribute to jaw discomfort. This chronic inflammatory disease affects the gums and supporting bone. As the infection progresses, bacteria can destroy jawbone tissue, leading to loose teeth and pain, particularly when chewing.
A dental abscess, a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection often at a tooth’s root, can cause severe, localized jaw pain. The infection can cause intense throbbing pain that may spread to the ear, jaw, and neck on the affected side. Swelling in the face or jaw, along with sensitivity to hot or cold foods, are common accompanying symptoms.
Other Potential Medical Conditions
Right-sided jaw pain can sometimes stem from other medical conditions, though these are less common as isolated causes. Sinusitis, or inflammation of the nasal cavities, can cause referred pain to the upper jaw. The maxillary sinuses, located directly above the upper jaw, can become inflamed and filled with mucus during a sinus infection, creating pressure that radiates to the jaw and facial nerves.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve condition characterized by sudden attacks of severe, sharp, shooting facial pain. This pain, often described as an electric shock, typically affects only one side of the face and can be felt in the jaw, cheek, or teeth. Attacks can be triggered by simple actions like talking, smiling, or brushing teeth.
Ear infections, particularly outer ear infections, can cause referred jaw pain due to the ear’s close proximity to the temporomandibular joint and shared nerve pathways. Inflammation and pressure from an ear infection can radiate to the surrounding tissues, including the jaw muscles. Symptoms may include sharp pain near the ear, a sore throat, or fever.
In rare instances, jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, particularly in women. This pain is not directly caused by the heart attack but is referred pain resulting from decreased blood flow to the heart. If jaw pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm, it requires immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Professional Help
If right-sided jaw pain persists, worsens, or does not improve with self-care, professional medical evaluation is recommended. Difficulty opening or closing the jaw, accompanied by stiffness or locking, indicates a need for assessment. These symptoms could point to underlying joint or muscle issues requiring specific interventions.
Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever with jaw pain, require prompt medical attention. These symptoms may suggest a dental abscess or a spreading infection that needs antibiotics or other treatments. Numbness, clicking, popping, or radiating pain also indicate a need for professional consultation to determine the cause.
Suspected dental issues, such as a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or visible gum problems, should lead to a dental visit. Early intervention for dental problems can prevent more severe complications, including the spread of infection to the jawbone.