Jaw pain can arise from a variety of diverse causes. Injuries, joint problems, dental disorders, infections and tumors are common causes of jaw pain. The seriousness of the causes of jaw pain vary from medically minor to potentially life threatening. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying condition causing jaw pain is necessary for determining the appropriate treatment to alleviate this distressing symptom.
Traumatic Jaw Injury
Blunt trauma to the lower face can cause jaw injury, including dislocation, bruising and bone fracture. Pain, swelling, misalignment of the teeth and bleeding may accompany these injuries. Mandible or lower jawbone fractures often require fixation--wiring the jaw closed--to allow bone healing, notes "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." Healing time is typically six to eight weeks.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located in front of the ear. This is the site where the mandible connects to the temporal bone of the skull. The temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge, enabling opening and closing of the mouth. It also allows the jaw to move forward and side to side. TMJ disorders encompass a group of conditions involving the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an estimated 10 million Americans have a TMJ disorder. The American Academy of Otolaryngology explains that the most common abnormality of the temporomandibular joint is displacement of the cartilage disc that enables the mandible to slide easily within the joint. Possible symptoms of TMJ disorder include popping or clicking noises when the mandible moves, aching or soreness in the jaw, inability to open the mouth fully, pain in front of the ear and headaches. Possible causes of TMJ disorder include repetitive jaw clenching, misalignment of the teeth, grinding the teeth and previous traumatic jaw injury.
Tooth Abscess and Osteomyelitis
A tooth abscess is an infection of the soft tissue and nerves inside a tooth, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The roots of the teeth are embedded in the jawbone. Severe toothache and associated pain in the affected area of the jaw are common symptoms of tooth abscess. The bacteria from a tooth abscess may spread to the jawbone. Bone infection, or osteomyelitis, is a serious complication of tooth abscess. Symptoms of osteomyelitis include local swelling, redness and intense bone pain. The skin over the infected bone is typically warm to the touch. Osteomyelitis of the jaw may require surgery to remove the decayed and infected areas of bone.
Jaw Tumors
"The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" advises that several types of cancerous and noncancerous tumors can arise in the jaw, causing severe pain, tenderness, facial swelling and loose teeth. Osteomas, odontomas and ameloblastomas are noncancerous tumors that may arise in the jaw. Cancerous tumors that may affect the jaw include squamous cell carcinoma, Ewing's tumor, giant cell tumor, multiple myeloma and osteosarcoma. Notably, cancers from elsewhere in the body can spread, or metastasize, to the jaw.
References
- "Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals": Fractures of the Jaw and Contiguous Structures
- Medline Plus: Jaw--Broken or Dislocated
- American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery: TMJ
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: TMJ Disorders
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tooth Abscess--Overview
