Why does my jaw and cheekbones hurt?

Why does my jaw and cheekbones hurt?

You may have a sinus infection, a tooth abscess, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), periodontal disease, a nerve condition or other medical conditions. If you’re experiencing severe pain, your doctor can help determine the underlying cause.

Why do I have pain in my jaw and face?

Jaw pain, which sometimes radiates to other areas of the face, is a common concern. It can develop due to sinus infections, toothaches, issues with the blood vessels or nerves, or other conditions. Most types of jaw pain result from temporomandibular joint disorder.

Why does my jaw and side of my face hurt?

Sinusitis. A more common cause of jaw pain on one side is sinusitis, or inflammation in the nasal cavity. Sinusitis usually occurs as a result of a cold or allergies. Since the condition causes inflammation in the cavities that reside behind your cheeks, it can often result in pain in one or both sides of your jaw.

Can TMJ make your cheekbones hurt?

Facial Pain

When the temporomandibular joint is particularly inflamed, it can even cause pain elsewhere in the face—the cheeks, under the eyes, even the forehead.

When should you be concerned about jaw pain?

In most cases, jaw pain does not require immediate medical attention. However, it is good to know that if the pain persists, is too much to handle, or spreads to other areas of the body, that you can seek counsel from a professional. The cause may be something more urgent than a cavity or tooth grinding.

How do I know if my jaw pain is heart related?

If moving your jaw around (such as while chewing) increases the pain, its likely the discomfort has nothing to do with your heart. Jaw pain that happens in the morning can be an instance of referred pain and serves as a warning sign that youre at risk for a heart attack.

What does a TMJ flare up feel like?

muscle spasms that may include eye, cheek or neck twitching; facial swelling around the TMJ; tightness in the jaw, which can limit your range of motion or manifest itself as lock jaw where your jaw is unable to move until the joint is realigned by a professional.

Will TMJ go away on its own?

Remember that for most people, discomfort from TMJ disorders will eventually go away on its own. Simple self-care practices are often effective in easing symptoms. If treatment is needed, it should be based on a reasonable diagnosis, be conservative and reversible, and be customized to your special needs.

What does cardiac jaw pain feel like?

This is sometimes described as a stabbing pain, or a feeling of tightness, pressure, or squeezing. Jaw pain. This is sometimes described as feeling like a bad toothache.

Can blocked arteries cause jaw pain?

As you’ve learned, pain in the jaw can be a warning sign of a heart problem, especially a blocked coronary artery. Typically, the pain starts in the chest (where it’s called angina) and then occasionally it spreads to one or both sides of the jaw (usually the left).

When should I worry about jaw pain?

If you have severe, worsening, or persistent jaw pain, you should consult with your doctor or dentist as soon as you can. Pain in the face or jaw that worsens when the person uses their jaw (pain could range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation).

Why do I suddenly have TMJ?

While there are several reasons a patient can experience sudden or severe jaw pain, inflammation and overworked muscles tend to be the most common causes of TMJ flare-ups. Many physical changes and lifestyle habits can contribute to swelling around the joint and muscle tension.

What can be misdiagnosed as TMJ?

Conditions That May Be Mistaken for TMJ Disorder

• Trigeminal Neuralgia. Just as you have two temporomandibular joints on each side of the face, you also have two trigeminal nerves that control your jaw.
• Cluster, Migraine, or Tension Headaches.
• Sinus Issues.
• Other Causes of TMJ Pain.

How can a dentist tell if you have TMJ?

Touch – your dentist will use their fingers to apply a bit of pressure to the jaw and TMJ to test for tenderness and pain. Sight – your dentist will look inside your mouth for signs of teeth grinding, clenching and alignment issues. They’ll also use X-Rays, if they’ve found evidence of a TMJ disorder.

Does jaw pain indicate heart problems?

What is the link between jaw pain and heart attack? If an individual is experiencing jaw pain, they must seek urgent medical attention, as it can indicate a heart attack. Jaw pain can occur as pain radiates or spreads from the chest to other areas of the body.

How do you calm a TMJ flare up?

What are some ways to relieve TMJ pain?

1. Apply heat or ice to the affected area.
2. Maintain a soft food diet, and avoid hard or chewy foods.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relief options.
4. Try relaxing techniques that will also help relax your facial muscles.
5. Gently massage your jaw to increase blood flow and promote healing.

What can a dentist do for TMJ?

Treatment form an orthodontist can alleviate TMJ symptoms in many cases. If your TMJ comes from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance. Often called a bite plate or a splint, this appliance will keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth.

Is TMJ usually on one side?

Many people experience TMJ symptoms, but tend to get them on just one side. They often ask us if it’s possible to develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) on one side. The answer is: yes, but it’s usually not just that side that’s affected.

What happens if you leave TMJ untreated?

Although not life threatening, if TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can contribute to significant discomfort and tension. Chronic pain can even lead to the development of diseases like anxiety and depression.

Where do you massage TMJ?

Place 2 to 3 fingers on the muscles below your cheek bones. If you clench your teeth, you should feel the muscles tighten under those fingers. Press into the muscles and hold that pressure for 6 to 10 seconds. Keep your jaw relaxed and repeat in another tender or tight area of your cheek.

What is the best muscle relaxer for TMJ?

The most common TMJ disorder medications

Should I see a doctor or dentist for jaw pain?

If you notice tenderness in your jaw, pain when you bite or endure frequent headaches, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Although some causes of jaw pain are temporary and go away on their own, you may be experiencing the first symptoms of a serious dental problem.

What causes a TMJ flare up?

Factors That Can Trigger a Flare-up
Stress is one of the biggest culprits of TMJ flare-ups. Stress often causes teeth grinding or clenching that can exacerbate TMJ symptoms. Another common trigger is eating hard, crunchy or chewy foods, such as raw carrots, crunchy bagels, tough cuts of meat, whole apples and nuts.

How do you get instant relief from TMJ?

Use a hot or cold compress. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, while heat can increase blood flow and relax your jaw muscles. Apply a hot or cold compress to your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes at a time using a light layer between the compress and your skin.

How do I know if my jaw pain is serious?

Prompt treatment with antibiotics can help prevent serious complications, so it’s important to get medical care if you have:

1. worsening pain in your jaw.
2. a fever.
3. swelling or tenderness in your teeth or jaw.
4. redness or warmth at the painful area.
5. tiredness or fatigue.
6. bad breath.