Why does my jaw hurt?

Question

For a few months now, the left side of my jaw would feel really strained when I opened my mouth. When I yawn or open my mouth to eat, I would feel it pop or crack, and it hurts sometimes. Does anyone know why this is happening?

My mother told me that the same thing happened to her when she was little, so I'm pretty sure it isn't serious. I've been told it's because I've been using the left side of my mouth to chew too much, so I've been chewing with my right side for over a month now, but it still hurts. :(

Answer 1

Most likely it is TMJ just as most responders have told you. This can be brought on by many things but usually caused from mal-aligned teeth or patients who suffer with Bruxism. Try to avoid chewing gum completely, and avoid eating food on that side until you get some relief or reduction in the pain. Also take Motrin or Advil 600mg dose; this is an anti-inflammatory which will work to reduce any swelling from inflammation that you may have in the temporomandibular joint. You can alleviate your pain with a simple method we have used with patients for years and which offers instant relief.

Take two small damp towels and heat them in the microwave for a minute or so, just until hot. Place one on each side of your face at the joint area, do both sides even though only one hurts. This way you will relax both sides together. When the moist heat starts to relax your muscles, begin to open and close your mouth, stretch a little wider each time re-heating the towel if needed. You can use this anytime that you feel your TMJ start to flare up. Most patients say they feel immediate relief with this technique. I hope that I've been of some help.


Additional information: If this is a stress related problem causing you to grind your teeth at night and it has been going on for awhile, you may need to have your dentist fabricate a night guard so you won't cause wear damage to your teeth from the grinding.

Answer 2

You are grinding your teeth at night when you sleep and that is why your jaw hurts when you open it wide. You need to go see your dentist and have a night guard made so you can grind on that and not your teeth. This can cause serious problems if you continue to grind your teeth. You can dislocate your jaw and you would have to have surgery to repair it. Alot of times people will grind there teeth when they are under alot of stress. I have the same problem and it sucks. I know what you are going through. I hope that you feel better soon.

Answer 3

It could be TMJ or you are clenching and grinding your jaw on that side while you sleep. Check with your dentist. He can make you a mouth guard for sleeping. Stress can cause teeth grinding. There is a cheaper mouth guard that I have seen advertised in mags. I think it is called "Sleep Right".

Answer 4

The answer could vary depending on your age. It's possible that you are experiencing a growth spurt, and your jawbone and skull are working on finding a good place to sit. It's possible that your wisdom teeth are growing a bit larger, and causing your jaw to swell slightly. It's possible that someone gave you an elbow to the jaw while playing sports, and it is slightly out of line. It's possible that you opened your mouth wider than you ever have before in order to bite into a quadruple cheeseburger, and again, your jaw is slightly out of line. Because it is only on the one side, and you get pain when you are chewing, I would think that your wisdom teeth are starting to push your other teeth out of the way to make room for when they come out. However, the popping noise you hear makes me think that your jaw is slighlty out of line. It should eventually work itslef back to where it needs to be.

Answer 5

Sounds like you have TM pain. This is caused mainly from grinding your teeth while sleeping. Avoid the use of chewing gum for awhile if your a gum chewer. The best way to treat your problem is to see your dentist and have a bite splint made up for yourself when you go to bed. It prevents the grinding of the teeth. Good luck!

Answer 6

HELLO YALGA,
THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY GRINDING YOUR TEETH AT NIGHT.
CHEWING SHOULD BE DIVIDED EQUALLY ON BOTH SIDES. THE POPPING IS CAUSED BY THE JAW POINTS BEING DISPLACED DURING THE NIGHT.
THE BEST THING THAT CAN BE DONE IS YOUR DENTIST MAKE YOU AN N.T.I. BRUXISM APPLIANCE.
SEE THE LINK BELOW.

PS NICE USE OF THE CYRILLIC ALPHABET IN YOUR NAME. :-)

Answer 7

It' s called Bell's Palsy this happens alot in people and noone really knows what causes it. usually it is temporary but for some people it may last a long time.

Answer 8

yes go see a doctor then go to the cops thes guys need to be put in jail

Answer 9

TMJ-have had it for 40 years!!!

Answer 10

I have the same problem. Look up TMJ in webMD