The jaw consists of an upper portion and a lower portion. The maxilla, the upper portion, does not move, and the mandible, the lower portion, allows the mouth to open and close. The temporomandibular joint connects the two. Disorders of the jaw may cause pain in the joint, but other conditions that do not directly involve the jaw may also cause pain.
Heart Attack
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs if the heart does not receive adequate blood. The coronary arteries supply the blood to the heart. A blood clot in the artery or a decreased flow of blood through the arteries can cause the heart to stop. Symptoms of a heart attack include pain and pressure in the center of the chest and shortness of breath. The pain may radiate to the back, arm or jaw, according to the Mayo Clinic. A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Bruxism
Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth, called bruxism, can cause jaw pain. The movement of the jaw when grinding teeth causes pressure on the joint. The jaw can become sore. Applying a moist, warm washcloth or ice packs can relieve the discomfort. The cold numbs the pain, while the heat increases blood flow to the area. Those with jaw pain can use either heat or cold, depending on what feels best, or alternate between the two. Wearing a mouth guard can also help prevent jaw pain caused by bruxism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
A dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, also called TMJ, can cause pain in the joint, an earache and limited mobility of the jaw. Risk factors for developing a TMJ dysfunction include a misaligned bite, an injury to the jaw and stress that causes bruxism. Additional causes of TMJ include rheumatoid arthritis. A physician diagnoses TMJ after a doing a physical examination and obtaining a complete medical history, according to the Merck Manual. Wearing a bite plate to correct a jaw misalignment, relieving stress and treating any injury can help reduce the pain associated with TMJ. Treatment can also include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections.
Injuries and Diseases
Any injury to the jaw, such as a fracture, can cause pain in the jaw joint. Jaw injuries require medical attention to prevent complications. Cancer of the jaw or a condition called osteonecrosis may cause jaw pain, according to Medline Plus. Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply to the bone decreases because of conditions such as alcohol abuse, arthritis and steroid use.
