Jaw pain is a common symptom that can be caused by various illnesses. It is usually not serious and can get better with simple treatments. However, it should not be neglected, at the risk of seeing his jaw block and make feeding difficult.

Depending on its origin, jaw pain can appear suddenly with intense pain or, on the contrary, settle over time and manifest as diffuse discomfort in the jaw. In some cases, the discomfort or pain can be localized specifically to the joint.

Remember that in humans, the jaw is made up of two bones, the jawbone, at the top and the mandible, at the bottom. The latter is connected to the skull by the temporomandibular joint. It is this joint that gives it mobility and can also be the cause of pain.

Many other symptoms can be associated with jaw pain, such as:

• swelling of the jaw or face;
• pain in the face, ears, neck and sometimes up to the shoulders;
• headaches (headache);
• difficulty chewing or swallowing;
• swelling of the gums or lymph nodes in the neck.

The causes of jaw pain are very diverse. Among the most frequent, we can cite the so-called “biomechanical” causes, that is to say they affect the bones, ligaments or muscles of the jaw:

• fractures;
• dislocation, also called dislocation of the jaw;
• dental malocclusion (that is, when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly);
• osteoarthritis in the jaw joint;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• algo-dysfunctional syndrome of the manducator system (or SADAM), which affects the joint between the mandible and one of the bones of the skull (the temporal bone).

Some cancers can appear in the jaw. Depending on the tissue from which they develop, different types are distinguished:

• osteosarcoma, which develops from the cells of the bones;
• chondrosarcoma, which develops from cartilage cells;
• fibrosarcoma, which is made up of fibrous tissue;
• odontogenic sarcoma and carcinoma, which are exceptionally rare tumors of dental origin.

Stress or anxiety are also common causes of jaw pain, as they will cause muscles to tighten, or teeth grinding (bruxism). This unconscious behavior can take place during the day or during sleep. In the latter case, it is more serious, because it is totally uncontrollable.

Rarely, severe pain in the jaw may indicate maxillary osteonecrosis, which is the destruction of bone due to lack of blood flow.

The outlook for jaw pain depends on the underlying causes causing the pain. But the main risk, if this symptom is neglected, is to have the jaw blocked and not be able to eat. There is also a risk that the disease that causes it will worsen and become more difficult to treat. It is therefore important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for jaw pain will depend on the disease causing it. Often times, jaw pain can be relieved temporarily by taking over-the-counter pain relievers or by applying ice to the area for a few minutes. It is also recommended to prefer foods that are easy to chew (yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup or scrambled eggs) and to avoid excessive jaw movements, such as wide yawns, or chewing chewing gum.

When stress is the cause of jaw pain, several options are possible: doing yoga, meditation, relaxation, or any activity that can promote relaxation. Wearing small braces (bite plate) at night can also be considered to help relieve pain during nighttime bruxism.

If pain and other symptoms persist, it is recommended to contact a doctor. Your doctor will be able to carry out a thorough medical examination to determine the exact cause of the pain and adapt the treatment.