Experiencing jaw pain when unwell can be an uncomfortable symptom. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, throbbing sensations, making everyday actions like eating or speaking challenging. Jaw pain often signifies various bodily responses to an underlying illness.
Why Your Jaw Hurts When You’re Sick
Jaw pain during illness often stems from inflammatory responses and the jaw’s close anatomical relationships to other affected areas. Sinus infections, for example, can cause jaw discomfort. The maxillary sinuses, located above the upper jaw, become inflamed and filled with fluid during an infection, creating pressure that can radiate to the jaw joints, facial nerves, and even mimic toothaches. This pressure can intensify when moving your head or jaw.
Ear infections also lead to referred jaw pain due to the ear’s proximity to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and shared nerve pathways. Inflammation and pressure within the ear can extend to surrounding tissues, including jaw muscles, or pain signals from the infected ear can be misinterpreted by the brain as originating from the jaw. Swollen lymph nodes, located in the neck and under the jaw, can also contribute to jaw tenderness and pain as they enlarge while fighting infection.
Illness-related stress can exacerbate existing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or trigger new ones. Stress often leads to unconscious teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), which strains the jaw muscles and joints. This increased muscle tension can result in jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. A weakened immune system during illness can also make pre-existing dental problems, such as cavities or gum inflammation, more noticeable and painful in the jaw. Oral infections can also contribute to jaw pain.
What You Can Do for Relief
Several self-care strategies can help alleviate jaw pain when sick. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce discomfort and inflammation. Always follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about medication interactions.
Applying temperature therapy to the affected area can also provide relief. A warm compress can relax tense jaw muscles, while a cold pack can numb pain and reduce inflammation. Apply a clean cloth soaked in warm water or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for 10-20 minutes at a time.
Eating soft foods can reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joints, which is helpful if chewing is painful. Avoid tough, chewy, or crunchy foods, as well as gum, during this time. General rest and staying well-hydrated are also important, as proper hydration supports muscle function and can reduce overall body aches and stiffness.
Gentle jaw exercises and stretches can help prevent stiffness and improve jaw mobility. Simple movements like slowly opening and closing your mouth or gently tucking your chin can relax the jaw muscles. Practicing relaxation techniques can also help manage stress, reducing unconscious jaw clenching that contributes to pain.
When to Talk to a Doctor
While jaw pain when sick often resolves with home care, certain signs indicate the need for medical attention. Consult a doctor if your jaw pain is persistent, worsening, or does not improve after a few days of self-treatment. Severe or debilitating pain that significantly interferes with daily activities like eating or speaking warrants a medical evaluation.
Difficulty opening your mouth wide, a locked jaw, or restricted jaw movement also require medical assessment. Pay attention to accompanying symptoms, such as a high fever, severe swelling around the jaw or face, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rash, or pus/discharge. These can indicate a more serious underlying infection or condition. If jaw pain is accompanied by unusual symptoms, or if you have pre-existing medical conditions, seeking prompt medical advice is important.