What Does It Mean When The Right Side Of Your Jaw Hurts?

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By Sam Ramsden/Sept. 13, 2021 12:02 pm EDT

Experiencing pain on one side of your jaw can be both an uncomfortable and concerning experience, but thankfully pain of this nature usually isn’t linked to a serious health condition. Below, you can find some of the most common causes of jaw pain, some of the additional symptoms to look out for, and what to do if you experience pain in your jaw.

According to Healthline, some of the most common causes of one-sided jaw pain include temporomandibular joint disorders that impacts the joints which connect your skull and jaw, a condition known as sinusitis which is the inflammation of nasal cavities, and dental problems including cavities, an abscessed tooth, growth of wisdom teeth, gum disease or tooth decay, missing or misaligned teeth, and tooth grinding or clenching. 

Per Buoy Health, some other potential causes of jaw pain include anxiety that can lead to tension in the area, overusing the jaw when chewing or talking, abnormalities of the jaw, and myofascial pain syndrome.

Here's when you should see a doctor for your jaw pain

Per Healthline, some less common but more serious causes of jaw pain could be attributed to tumors and cysts around the jaw area, a chronic condition known as trigeminal neuralgia that is caused by abnormal pressure on the trigeminal nerve, and a rare but very serious bone infection known as osteomyelitis that is caused by bacteria.

Some effective ways of treating less serious jaw pain at home include stretching or massaging muscles of the jaw, applying a hot or cold pack to the area, avoiding chewy foods such as chewing gum, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen (via Buoy Health).

It is advised you seek medical attention right away if your jaw pain is sudden, if the discomfort in the area is unbearable, if you have difficulty eating, drinking, swallowing, or breathing, if you have trouble moving your mouth as normal, if the jaw pain is accompanied by persistent swelling or a fever, or if the pain suddenly goes away following a burst of unpleasant smelling and tasting liquid in the mouth.

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