When you feel any type of pain, it can definitely bring down your quality of life. This is especially true if it’s only on one side of your face in your jaw. While you might have trouble enjoying your favorite foods, you might also be frustrated trying to figure out why the discomfort is localized to just a single place. Here are some possible reasons this can be happening, and when to call your dentist.
What Can Cause Jaw Pain on One Side of My Face?
There are several culprits behind one-sided jaw pain, but you will need to get it checked by a professional to get the problem diagnosed. These are some that can lead to this type of discomfort:
- A dental abscess is caused by an infected tooth. It’s a pimple-like bump that’s filled with pus, along with a fever and swelling. This is an urgent dental emergency, so it needs to be checked out by your dentist right away.
- Trauma or injury to your face can also be the cause if you had an accidental fall or received a facial blow. Your jaw may ache, but if you think it’s broken, then head to your local ER. If not, then your dental provider can help if it’s tooth-related.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause the muscles in your face to be sore and tender. This can happen for a wide range of reasons, such as teeth grinding or clenching.
- Sinus infections can be the reason for some, as the pressure in your sinus cavities can radiate down to just one side of your face.
Does Jaw Pain Need to Be Seen by My Dentist?
The conditions above do not all require a visit to your dentist to fix, as some can be treated by your physician. However, you might wonder when you should head to your local dental office, so you should if you notice these, along with your one-sided jaw pain:
- Your discomfort is getting worse, or there is swelling as well.
- You have trouble opening and closing your mouth.
- Notice signs of infection, like redness or pus.
- Have fever or chills.
Your dentist will be able to double-check the issue and ensure it’s something they are able to help you with. If so, then you can get the reliable treatment you need or learn the next steps on how to get the relief you deserve. That way, you get back to a comfortable smile you love.
About the Author
At Silfa Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Publio Silfa and Dr. Ari Koutsoubis. We are dedicated to helping the local community with their oral healthcare, especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day, after-hour, and weekend visits, you get the relief you deserve right away. If you want to make sure your one-sided jaw pain isn’t a dental issue, schedule an appointment or call our office at (631) 651-1322.
