Pain in the jaw is a condition that can be related not only to dental diseases, but also to rheumatic, neurological and even cardiological diseases. Therefore, the pain in the jaw should not be taken lightly. When is it necessary to see a doctor?

Pain in the jawis not common, therefore it is especially disturbing, the lower jaw, commonly known as the lower jaw and sometimes the chin, is a large bone that surrounds our face. It is connected to the skull by the temporomandibular joints, which are located on both sides of the face, just below the ears.

The mandible is a single bone, fused from two parts. Its main part is the shank, which is what we commonly call the chin. This is where the branches of the mandible extend. Each of them is divided into a condylar process and a pitted process. This is where the temporomandibular joint is located.

Pain in the jaw - accidents

A common cause of jaw pain is injuries that occur during sports or a fist fight. Injury may cause the jaw to knock out, rupture orfracture the jaw .

Symptoms of such an injury include swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, pain when touching the injury site, and when talking or eating.

In such cases, it is necessary to see a doctor who will be able to say whether there is a fracture or fracture of the jaw.

Should this happen, it is necessary to immobilize the fracture site for the bone to heal properly. The cracked bone is connected with special rails or plates adapted to the shape of the jaw.

Pain in the jaw - Costen syndrome

Costen's syndromemeanspainful temporomandibular joint syndrome . It is a condition that manifests itself as a bouncing of the lower jaw. This feeling is described as the lower jaw thrust forward. In addition, the patient has a significantly limited range of jaw movement, feels pain and hears a crack or a grinding noise when opening his mouth.

Costen's syndrome is usually related to a misalignment of the lower jaw that has not been corrected by an orthodontist. In some people, a defective bite causes problems with the temporomandibular joints at a later age. It is then necessary to surgically correct the jaw.

Pain in the jaw -lockstitch

Lock jaw , as the name suggests, prevents you from opening your mouth and thus making it impossible to speak.

It may be caused by chronic stressstress . Sometimes trismus is a harbinger of more serious diseases, including neoplastic changes or abscesses in the temporomandibular area, therefore careful diagnosis is important.

Pain in the jaw - enamelloma

Szkliwiakis a jaw cancer that takes a long time to develop and does not cause any complaints for just as long. Mandibular cancer requires surgery.

Pain in the jaw - other conditions

  • Bruxism

Pain in the jaw, or more precisely the temporomandibular joint, can be caused by many diseases and abnormalities within the jaw. Pain can occur due to inflammation of the teeth, gums, tooth abscesses or unknowingly grinding of the teeth (bruxism).

  • Malocclusion

Another dental reason will be uncorrected malocclusions, poorly fitting dentures or orthodontic appliances.

Pain can also be related to problems such as:

  • sinusitis
  • otitis
  • diseases of the salivary glands
  • migraine
  • inflammation of the trigeminal nerve

It is also important to remember thatsudden jaw pain may be a sign of a heart attack . If you experience palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, or loss of consciousness, call an ambulance as soon as possible.

Pain in the jaw is also very common in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In patients, the temporomandibular joints can be changed in the same way as the joints of the hands or feet.

Pain in the jaw and head

Pain in the jaw and head may cause increased tension in the temporomandibular joint. It is usually caused by neurosis, chronic stress and teeth grinding. Relief is provided by treating basic diseases (mainly neurosis) and avoiding stressful situations.

It is also important to relieve the joint, i.e. avoid hard food, chewing gum and yawning "sparingly", i.e. with the mouth only partially open.

Pain in the jaw and head can also be caused by inflammation of the bones, sinuses and ears, and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.

Pain in the jaw - treatment

After determining the cause of the jaw pain, treatment should be started, which will be adapted to the patient's condition.

In some situations it is enough to use relaxation techniques, in others it may be necessary to undergo surgery.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Category:

Dentistry and Orthodontics