Why is my jaw painful?
Over the past 2 or 3 days, my left jaw has become painful to shut, and it almost feels like I can’t completely bite down on that side. It sort of feels like my teeth have mysteriously misaligned themselves.
I have a doctor’s appointment which was previously scheduled for Wednesday, so I’ll bring this up. But I’m wondering whether any jellies might have an explanation.
I’ve heard of jaw problems presaging heart problems and am concerned.
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12 Answers
Have you had your wisdom teeth out?
It can be a precurser to a heart attack. Go to the doctor immediately if you suspect this.
I don’t know your age, or how healthy you are. Judge for yourself. However, if it has been 2 or 3 days, it might not be that.
@dverhey : Yes, I’ve had my wisdom teeth removed.
@filmfann : I’ve checked the many other symptoms and so far I have none. No pains in my arm or shoulder, etc. [edited to add: I’m 48 and in good health.]
@Buttonstc : What’s TMJ?
Tempero-Mandibular Joint. Misalignment or problems in that area can potentially cause any number of odd symptoms and problems.
Google it and you’ll see what I mean. And sometimes the solution can be as simple as just wearing a custom made bite plate in your mouth while sleeping (if it is related to TMJ, that is).
If a regular medical exam is unfruitful, you need to be evaluated by a dentist who specializes in diagnosing this, not just any old dentist.
@hawaii_jake I have TMJD (Tempero-Mandibular joint disorder) and usually you know if you have it before your jaw becomes so painful that you have trouble shutting it. It kind of builds up over time and gets progressively worse. At least mine did, maybe not everyone’s TMJD progresses the same way.
Is there any chance that it might be an ear infection? One time I had one so bad after being on the road that I couldn’t bite down. The pain didn’t seem to be in my ear, but in my jaw. One clue was that it was difficult to relieve that one ear from the stopped-up sensation after multiple flights.
@Pied_Pfeffer : I live in a hilly area, and I have no trouble clearing my ears going up and down. At least, none that I’ve noticed yet. Still, I’ll ask the doctor about it along with the TMJD.
TMJ is super common. Or do you grind your teeth? Sometimes I’ll catch myself clenching or grinding without even knowing it.
But that’s not why my jaw’s sore today.
@hawaii_jake Have you been to the doctor’s office yet? How is the jaw pain?
@Pied_Pfeffer : Thank you. Yes, I’ve been to the doctor, and it seems to be getting better on it’s own. He said it was most likely TMJ or that I just slept on it wrong, but since it seemed to be getting better on its own, not to worry about it and give it a week.
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