Addressing Aches: Why Does My Jaw Hurt On One Side?

Have you noticed that your jaw hurts, but only on one side? It’s natural to wonder what caused it and whether it will require a complex procedure, like a root canal, to address. After all, there are several reasons you might be experiencing discomfort more on one side of your mouth than the other, and some are more urgent than others.

However, it’s usually better to contact your provider sooner rather than later so they can identify and treat the underlying concern. Continue reading to learn 3 potential causes for your throbbing jaw and how your dentist might help!

Issue #1: Common Oral Concerns

Calling your dentist as soon as you develop a persistent or severe discomfort allows them to examine your mouth to catch the main problem and treat it before it has a chance to progress. Common dental concerns, like cavities and gum disease, can cause a sharp, stabbing, or persistent discomfort that can radiate to your jaw, ear, or face.

Such oral issues result from bacteria in your mouth that produce acids to erode your enamel, then penetrate your teeth and connective tissues, causing disease and infection. Your dentist might need to perform an emergency root canal to alleviate the ache, then place a dental crown to restore your troubled tooth’s appearance and functionality.

Issue #2: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Your jaw is connected to your skull via two sliding disc joints located on each side of your face, just below your ears. These temporomandibular joints are responsible for providing your mouth’s full range of motion. Under normal circumstances, they allow you to shift your jaw front and back, side to side, and open or close it.

Unfortunately, if you grind your teeth or have a bite misalignment, the added pressure placed on your TMJ can cause the surrounding muscles and ligaments to become painfully irritated. Thankfully, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard or orthodontic options, like Invisalign, to correct milder malocclusions.

Issue #3: Other Illnesses

You might also develop a swollen or tender jaw if you have a sinus or ear infection, because these cavities are located close to your jaw. If your dentist examines your condition and suspects this is the root issue, they will refer you to your primary physician or an appropriate doctor, like an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Whatever the reason for your sore jaw, your oral healthcare provider will do their best to treat the cause to alleviate your ache as quickly as they can!

About the Practice

Patients at DeMartino Dental Group benefit from an outstanding husband-and-wife dental duo who are committed to helping families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino and his wife, Dr. Nelida Garcia-DeMartino, share decades of combined experience and offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including root canal procedures. Their caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (908) 859-5260.