When the jaw hurts, people experience many unpleasant sensations: it becomes difficult to chew, yawn, and speak. Such a symptom can accompany various diseases, therefore, to diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to visit three doctors: a dentist, a surgeon and a neurologist. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment tactics are built and drugs are prescribed.

Most often, the lower jaw hurts. Uncomfortable sensations can be localized on one side or all over the joint at once, given to the ear and other parts of the body. Various pathologies can cause this condition:

1. Diseases of the gums, maxillofacial system or the temporomandibular joint. In this case, the jaw may hurt from 2 sides and give into the ear. The problem is solved by the dentist or surgeon.
2. Disorders of the air-circulating sinuses. A purulent process can develop in them. An otolaryngologist is involved in the treatment.
3. Inflammation or infection in the tonsils, nearby tissues, or throat. Eliminates the ENT doctor.
4. Diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
5. Inflammation in the lymph nodes.
6. Pain in the lower jaw on the left side may indicate angina pectoris or the development of myocardial infarction.

Inflammation in the lymph nodes can also cause jaw pain

The base of the facial skeleton is made up of the lower and upper jaws. The upper paired part includes 2 bones, 4 processes and a body with an airway.

The lower part is unpaired and forms the basis of the temporomandibular joint. Muscles and teeth are attached to the bone tissue, it is they who are involved in the process of chewing food and pronouncing sounds. The jaw moves with the help of the temporomandibular joint. In some diseases, pain occurs in it, especially when moving, when a kind of click occurs when the mouth is opened.

The video simulates the structure of the lower jaw:

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist therapist

Sometimes discomfort occurs when pressing on the jaw, while an unpleasant sensation can be observed on one side or the entire jaw responds. Bone or joint damage may be the cause. For example, pain in the heart often radiates to the joint from below.

Pain can occur due to joint damage or fractures. In this case, the mouth practically does not open. These reasons require an immediate visit to the first-aid post, as in case of serious illnesses, complications and significant deterioration of health rapidly develop.

Sometimes there are diseases that have nothing to do with the facial skeleton. However, they can also cause discomfort. Sometimes rare diseases can also be a source.

If the jaw is cramping, the person may be suffering from one of the following conditions:

1. Tetanus. Muscle cramps and pain when swallowing develop. You should urgently consult a doctor. Anti-tetanus serum will relieve the manifestations of the disease.
2. Red ear syndrome. It occurs with damage to the thalamus and cervical spondylosis.
3. In childhood, the problem can be caused by mumps or mumps, a violation of the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Below we will consider less common reasons why the jaw hurts.

Cancer factor

Pain in oncology often occurs on the right side. In the worst case, it can signal cancer in the bone tissue or osteosarcoma.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist therapist

Before the onset of the main signs of the disease, the nerve endings lose sensitivity, and significant numbness appears in the jaw. After that, pains in the jaw appear.

With atheroma, a benign tumor, discomfort also appears in the face area. Most often, a lump appears near or behind the ear. This is due to the growth of the lymph node. When probing this place, a movable subcutaneous ball can be found. This condition does not pose a threat to health, but if it is not eliminated, an inflammatory or purulent process may begin.

In this case, it hurts near the ear, the general condition worsens, the body temperature rises, and the head begins to hurt. The education near the ear turns red. In the absence of timely treatment, pus can move through the body, causing blood poisoning. Often, a lump behind the ear is formed as a result of the appearance of otitis media, so it is worth being examined by an otolaryngologist.

Pain while chewing

If it appears while chewing food, then the patient is likely to have a dislocation of the jaw or osteomyelitis. In addition, there are other diseases with similar symptoms:

• periodontitis;
• caries complicated by an inflammatory process in the nerve ending;
• pulp damage.

The pain radiates to the jaw in a pulsating manner, often occurs at night.

Disease symptoms

It is rather difficult to diagnose damage to the temporomandibular joint on your own, since usually the pain is not limited only to the jaw area. There are no nerve endings in this section, so the symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves as follows:

1. When pressure is applied to the ears, soreness in the jaw occurs.
2. Soreness in the neck.
3. The head hurts, the temporal part, the occipital region.
4. Pain in the area of ​​the shoulder blades.
5. When opening the mouth, a characteristic crunch may appear, while tinnitus occurs.

Neck pain often accompanies diseases that cause jaw pain

You should pay special attention to the click when you open the mouth, even if there is no pain in the lower jaw. It can even be heard by others. This condition often indicates a displacement or abnormal tension of the discs and muscles that support the jaw joint when chewing food.

Possible complications

Neglecting this symptom can cause serious complications.

Larisa Kopylova

Dentist therapist

With the concomitant symptom of congestion in one ear or ears, it can lead to partial or complete hearing loss. Due to the fact that the jaw cannot be fully opened, its shift occurs. Over time, this will lead to dental problems, cause the enamel to wear off, and the teeth will become more sensitive.

The increased tension of muscle tissues leads to such consequences as:

• back pain;
• dizziness;
• poor sleep;
• depressive state;
• disorientation;
• increased sensitivity to light (photophobia);
• pain in the eyes;
• decreased vision.

Treatment and prevention principles

Now we will tell you what to do if your jaw hurts. The basis of treatment is the diagnosis of pathology, pain relief and a complex of therapy, depending on the diagnosis.

1. If a bruise is established and the jaw is cramped, then cold compresses are used.
2. Dislocations are adjusted by the surgeon.
3. In case of fractures, if there are displaced bone fragments, an operation is performed.
4. If there is a purulent disease, then abscesses are often opened, after which a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed.
5. It happens that pain in the jaw occurs as a result of carotidinia - a type of migraine. In this disease, pain spreads to the ears, eye sockets and the jaw area. In this case, pain relievers and antidepressants are prescribed.
6. Against the background of myocardial infarction, pain in the jaw is felt, with obvious symptoms of such a pathology, immediate hospitalization is required. Already in a hospital setting, the patient will be prescribed thrombolytics, drugs that lower blood pressure and blood thinning analgesics.
7. If the cause of the pain is problems with the teeth and periodontal tissues, then the oral cavity is sanitized. Cyst, pulpitis, periodontitis are eliminated by surgical intervention. If the pain in the jaw and ear is caused by wearing braces, then at first it is a natural process. If it is impossible to tolerate it, the dentist will tighten or, conversely, lower the locks. Or prescribe pain relievers. Sometimes pain in the jaw area occurs due to an improperly erupting wisdom tooth. In this case, surgical treatment will also be required.
8. Oncological diseases are treated with surgery or mixed therapy based on the use of chemicals and radiation of cancer cells.

If the pain is caused by a dislocation, it is enough to correct the joint for treatment.

The video tells why the lower jaw hurts and how to treat the problem:

In order not to face pain in the jaw, it is necessary to treat bruises in this area in a timely manner. Wrong bites also require specialist therapy. It is recommended that dental problems be corrected in a timely manner. You should not chew gum for a long time, it creates unnecessary tension in the jaw muscles. It is advisable to sleep on your back or side. You can not clench your jaw in anger, in the future this can seriously affect your health.

It is not recommended to carry a heavy load on one shoulder, as there is asymmetry in the neck and back, which can move the jaw as well, subsequently leading to pain in this area. A heavy bag periodically needs to be outweighed from one shoulder to another.

That's all. Now you know why the jaw is cramping and pains appear in its different parts, what are the reasons for their appearance and what to do in this case. Be healthy!

If the jaw hurts, this is a rather dangerous signal indicating a possible malfunction of the joints or various kinds of pathology of the skeletal system. Disease ...

Jaw hurts: main causes, diagnosis and treatment

From Masterweb

13.05.2018 16:00

If the jaw hurts, this is a rather dangerous signal indicating a possible malfunction of the joints or various kinds of pathology of the skeletal system. Soreness can also occur due to dysfunction of internal organs. Before proceeding with the elimination of the problem, it is imperative to determine why the jaw hurts.

It is important to undergo a comprehensive examination, according to the results of which the doctor will be able to select the required treatment.

Pain in diseases

If the jaw hurts, then many immediately go to the dentist, but the source of the problem may lie in serious ailments. These include:

• otitis;
• sinusitis;
• arthrosis;
• osteochondrosis;
• arthritis;
• malignant neoplasms;
• vascular pathology.

Sinusitis is a dangerous disease that causes significant discomfort. Inflammation in the maxillary sinus area may go unnoticed for a long time due to insufficient blood supply to this area. With the course of the disease, the upper jaw hurts very much, these painful sensations intensify when opening the mouth and making chewing movements. Aching pain occurs due to the close location of the dental roots.

With cervical osteochondrosis, the vertebral discs become thinner and gradually collapse, which leads to a deterioration in the blood supply to the cervical spine. The pathological process involves blood vessels and nerve endings. With cervical osteochondrosis, the jaw hurts and gives off to the teeth, but there are no dental problems. The pain impulse is dull in nature, passes from one side and gradually covers the entire head. The pain is worse when talking and chewing.

If the jaw and ear hurts, it may be caused by otitis media. The fact is that the human hearing system is very closely connected with the jaw joint, and when the ear is inflamed, the pain also affects the jaw. With otitis media, there is a sharp pain in the jaw and ear. The pain syndrome increases significantly when trying to open the mouth, talking, swallowing. Soreness occurs suddenly and goes to the area of ​​the temple, neck, cheekbones. At the same time, the lymph nodes increase.

With arthritis, there is a constant, aching pain in the lower jaw, which radiates to the ear. Soreness increases with jaw movement. Arthrosis is characterized by the fact that during the course of the pathology, the ligaments are also affected. And the manifestations of this disease are almost the same as in arthritis.

If the lymph nodes under the jaw hurt, then this may be a sign of the presence of malignant neoplasms. Before the onset of pain, sensitivity disappears at the site of the lesion. In addition, patients report tingling and numbness. Gradually, the affected area swells, and joint pain occurs.

If the jaw near the ear hurts badly, then this may be a sign of the development of benign neoplasms. The lump that forms in the behind-the-ear region is the result of inflammation of the cervical lymph node. When palpating the affected area, a movable ball can be found.

Also, soreness can be observed with purulent pathologies. Osteomyelitis is considered the most dangerous, since during its course in humans, not only bones are affected, but also the surrounding soft tissues. Basically, this disease is of bacterial origin and occurs when various pathogenic bacteria enter the body. In this case, not only soreness is observed, but also severe swelling. The neck or ear can also be inflamed.

The presence of pain in the lower jaw may also indicate heart disease. In this case, the pain radiates to the lower jaw and neck. If painful manifestations occur in the area of ​​the heart and jaw, it is imperative to call an ambulance, as this may be a sign of a heart attack. If the jaw hurts, then this may also indicate problems with the carotid artery and a deterioration in its blood supply.

Soreness in the jaw structure can often manifest itself as a result of inflammation of the nerve endings. In this case, the patient feels burning, shooting pains that are localized in the lower jaw and ear. Some types of migraine can also hurt the jaw near the ear and the lower part of the eye socket. This sensation is very painful and long lasting, and the affected area becomes painful and swollen.

Injuries and fractures

Very often, if the jaw hurts on the left or on the right, it can be caused by an injury - both a simple bruise and a fracture. Fights, road accidents, and domestic injuries are often the cause. There are the following types of fractures:

• with debris displacement or not;
• closed or open;
• single or multiple.

The peculiarity of the jaw bones is that the regeneration process takes a long time. In this case, the victim feels severe discomfort, and after injuries, unpleasant consequences may remain.

A bruise of the jaw is quite common, which occurs due to a strong blow. Moreover, his character largely depends on the strength of the blow. A bruise can provoke severe headaches, malocclusion, deformation of the position of the teeth or their loss.

Dental problems

Soreness in the jaw area is often found in people who wear removable dentures and braces. In the process of correcting the bite, this is quite normal, since as a result of treatment, the dentition is displaced. But pain can also occur due to the presence of dental diseases:

• pulpitis;
• caries;
• periodontitis;
• limited osteomyelitis;
• dental injuries;
• high sensitivity of enamel.

The pain in this case can be aching in nature and intensify at night. Discomfort also occurs with inflammation of the gums, as well as in the presence of complications after tooth extraction.

Child pain

If the child's jaw hurts on the right or on the left, then it can be caused by various injuries, fractures, dislocations, as well as diseases of the oral cavity. However, sometimes unpleasant sensations arise for reasons that are rare in adults. These include mumps and tetany.

Mumps or mumps is an acute infectious disease provoked by viruses that affects the salivary glands. With its development, there is a strong swelling in the jaw area. The swelling is accompanied by soreness that worsens when pressed, fever, and dry mouth.

Tetania is a convulsive syndrome provoked by a violation of calcium metabolism in a child. This pathology is accompanied by convulsions, pain in the jaw, paresis of the chewing muscles and involuntary grimaces.

It should be noted that soreness can also occur during teething in a child. At the same time, the baby also shows signs such as irritability, anxiety and crying. Jaw pain can occur as a result of hypothermia, prolonged wearing of braces, abnormal structure of the jaw apparatus.

Main symptoms

If the jaw hurts, then it can be triggered by various diseases, injuries, as well as mental disorders. Each disease and pathology has its own symptomatology, which makes it possible to determine what exactly provoked the pain.

So, the first sign of sinusitis is a runny nose, and after a few days, symptoms of intoxication of the body join it. In the acute course of the disease, an intense, throbbing headache is characteristic. The pain impulse is bursting in nature, which increases significantly when the head is turned. The pain radiates to the forehead, jaw and intensifies with pressure.

The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is pain that extends not only to the jaw and head, but also affects the shoulder girdle and sternum. At the very beginning of the development of the disease, pain occurs only in the evening and is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head. There is also tingling and numbness in the shoulders and arms. The head hurts, and when it is turned, a characteristic crunch is heard. Symptoms largely depend on the disorders that manifest themselves during the course of the disease.

The main symptom of otitis media is pain impulses of varying intensity. In addition to the fact that the jaw and ear hurt, there are other symptoms:

• dizziness;
• hearing loss;
• noise and ringing in the ears;
• temperature increase;
• discharge from the ear canal.

In acute otitis media, the patient experiences excruciating boring pain. The development of a purulent form is accompanied by an increase in temperature.

In the presence of fractures, experts identify the following signs:

• the occurrence of hematoma, bruising;
• displacement of fragments;
• soreness and difficulty in moving the jaw;
• the presence of profuse salivation;
• change in bite;
• displacement of the dentition.

When the first signs of a fracture occur, be sure to call an ambulance or contact an emergency room.

Which doctor to contact

If your jaw hurts after going to the dentist, then you need to urgently visit this specialist. Consultation is not required only if a bracket system has been installed. In this case, soreness can occur during the formation of a correct bite and is quite natural. However, if the pain persists within 2 months, a dentist's consultation is required.

If the jaw begins to hurt after an injury, then you need to contact a trauma surgeon. This may indicate the presence of a dislocation, bruise, or fracture. If the jaw hurts (left side) and gives it to the neck, then this may be a sign of heart disease, so you need to consult a cardiologist.

If there is soreness and crunching in the neck, you need to visit a therapist, as this can be a sign of diseases such as bursitis, arthritis, sprains. In addition, in the presence of pain in the jaw, a consultation with a neurologist and an ENT specialist may be required.

Diagnostics

If you experience pain in the jaw, be sure to consult a doctor who will prescribe a diagnosis. On its basis, the correct treatment will be selected. Diagnostics implies a patient survey, visual examination, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies.

To make the correct diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe tomography, radiography, and arthroscopy. This will help to understand exactly how the pathology develops and to choose a method of treatment.

Treatment features

Diseases of the jaw joint are treated by a dentist. Complex cases require the consultation of a surgeon. Treatment, as a rule, is rather laborious and long-term, as it requires teeth refilling, occlusion correction, replacement of prostheses. Dysfunction of the jaw apparatus is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. You can relieve soreness at home with compresses, providing complete rest, and eating soft, grated food.

If the doctor finds periodontitis, cyst or pulpitis, surgery may be prescribed, as only this will eliminate the pain. Once the wound has healed, the discomfort should go away completely.

In the presence of diseases associated with ENT organs, inflammation of soft tissues, as well as neuralgia, medications are prescribed, as well as physiotherapy procedures.

In the presence of migraines, the doctor prescribes pain relievers, as well as antidepressants. For the treatment of abscesses, it is shown to open them and remove purulent contents. The presence of a tumor requires surgery, as well as chemotherapy and radiation.

Drug treatment

Drug therapy should only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Self-medication can lead to a deterioration in well-being and an uncontrolled reaction of the body. The following drugs are used to treat pain:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• preparations for the renewal of cartilage tissue;
• vitamins;
• intra-articular injections.

Hormone therapy may also be prescribed for women, especially during menopause under the supervision of an endocrinologist or gynecologist. Physiotherapy and massage also have a good result.

Folk remedies

For faster recovery, you can additionally use traditional medicine. As rubbing, you can use alcoholic tincture of acacia or mummy. In addition, you can take the mummy inside by dissolving it in preheated milk and adding honey.

Compresses with a decoction of chamomile flowers, which need to be applied to the affected area, help well. Fir oil, which can be rubbed into the skin, has a warming effect. However, this must be done very carefully, as this remedy can provoke allergies.

Prevention

After treatment, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures in order to avoid the recurrence of the disease. Dress appropriately for the weather and do not go outside in strong winds. In the presence of a viral infection, immediately undergo treatment. You need to try to avoid stressful situations.

As a preventive measure, you can harden the body. A good remedy is a contrast shower, which helps maintain immunity at the required level. Massage should be done periodically, and proper nutrition should be provided.

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The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. A specialist consultation is required!

Jaw pain – symptom most often encountered by dentists. But it is far from always associated exclusively with dental pathology.

Pain can be caused by diseases of the jaws themselves, ENT organs (nose and paranasal sinuses, throat, ears), lymph nodes, tongue, gums, nervous system, chewing muscles, etc.

The main reasons leading to pain in the jaws include:

• trauma;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases;
• pathology of peripheral nerves and blood vessels;
• tumor processes.

Jaw pain when wearing orthoses

Jaw pain is a very common symptom in patients wearing orthodontic appliances: braces and removable dentures.

It is believed that for people with braces, pain in the jaw and headache Are quite normal phenomena. At the same time, there is an increased precariousness of the teeth. All these are signs that the braces are installed correctly, the teeth are displaced, and the correct bite is formed. An orthodontist must definitely warn his patients about this.

The pain syndrome when wearing removable dentures is troubling due to the fact that the jaws are not yet accustomed to these structures. Thus, this symptom can be considered normal only at first. After a while, the aching jaw pain and discomfort should completely disappear. If this does not happen, you need to see a doctor.

Malocclusion

Jaw pain can accompany significant malocclusion. In these cases, it is worth visiting an orthodontist and consulting about the possibility of correcting the incorrect closing of the teeth.

Jaw Injury Pain

Pain is common trauma jaws. The severity of pain and accompanying symptoms is determined by the nature of the injury.

Jaw contusion

Injury- the easiest type of injury, in which only soft tissues are damaged, while the bone does not suffer. With a bruise of the face in the upper or lower jaw, acute pain occurs, edema, bruise. These symptoms are not very pronounced, and completely disappear within a few days.

In case of an injury accompanied by a contusion of the face and pain in the jaw, it is worth visiting an emergency room and undergoing an X-ray to exclude more serious injuries.

Jaw fracture

Fracture the jaw is a fairly serious injury. At the time of injury, there is a severe sharp pain in the jaw, pronounced swelling and hemorrhage under the skin. When the jaw moves, the pain increases significantly. If there is a fracture of the lower jaw, then the patient is not at all able to open his mouth, attempts cause very strong painful sensations.

Fractures of the upper jaw are especially serious. If the pain is accompanied by hemorrhage around the eye sockets (the so-called "symptom of glasses"), then there is every reason to assume a fracture of the base of the skull. If droplets of blood or clear liquid are released from the ears, then the injury is very serious. You need to immediately call an ambulance.

At the trauma center with a view to more accurate diagnostics conduct an x-ray examination. After establishing the nature of the fracture, a special bandage is applied, or surgical treatment is resorted to. Fractures of the base of the skull are treated only in a hospital.

Dislocation

Dislocation the lower jaw is an injury that occurs, as a rule, with a sharp opening of the mouth. Most often it happens to people who are used to opening bottles and all kinds of hard packaging with their teeth, have joint diseases in the form of arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

At the time of dislocation, there is a fairly strong sharp pain in the lower jaw and temporomandibular joint. In parallel, other symptoms arise:

• the mouth is fixed in an open position, it is very difficult for the patient to close it;
• the lower jaw is not quite in the correct position: it is pushed forward, or oblique to one side;
• naturally, this leads to speech impairment: if no one was nearby and did not see how it happened, it can be difficult for the patient to explain what happened to him;
• since it is impossible to swallow saliva normally, it is secreted in large quantities and flows out of the mouth.

The emergency room doctor makes the diagnosis of dislocation very easily - when he sees a person with a wide open mouth, complaining of severe pain in the joint of the lower jaw. Reduction is carried out manually. After that, appoint x-ray to rule out a fracture.

Pain after jaw fracture

Sometimes after a fracture of the jaw, in the long-term period, patients are worried about aching pains. In this case, they may be due to:

• damage to the necks, ligaments of teeth and gums with wire, which the doctor fixes the splint;
• repeated fracture or displacement of fragments, if at the same time a sharp pain in the jaw is again accompanied by the occurrence of edema and hemorrhage;
• massive trauma and nerve damage.

If pain occurs after an injury, you can take pain medications... If they do not help, and the pain is very strong, and does not go away for a long time, then you need to consult a doctor.

Pain in the jaw with purulent-inflammatory diseases

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a purulent-inflammatory disease of the bone, in this case the upper or lower jaw. You can often find the second name of this pathology - jaw caries. Develops when hit infections into the jaw with blood flow from diseased teeth, in case of trauma.

With osteomyelitis, there is a fairly severe pain in the upper or lower jaw. Other symptoms are also clearly manifested:

• temperature increase body, sometimes very significant - up to 40 o C, and even more;
• edema under the skin in the area of ​​the pathological focus;
• the swelling can be so large that the face becomes skewed, asymmetrical;
• if the pain in the jaw is due to an infection from the tooth, then when examining the oral cavity, this affected tooth can be seen - as a rule, there will be a large carious defect and pulpitis ;
• simultaneously, the submandibular lymph nodes become inflamed, resulting in pain under the jaw.

Osteomyelitis, especially of the upper jaw, is a serious pathology that can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if acute pain in the jaw occurs in combination with the described symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Cellulitis and abscesses

Abscesses and phlegmon- purulent pathologies, which most often affect the soft tissues under the tongue and forming the floor of the oral cavity. At the same time, symptoms similar to osteomyelitis are noted: acute sharp pain in the jaw or under the jaw (damage to the lymph nodes), swelling, increased body temperature.

Pain in the jaws can also be caused by a paratonsillar abscess - an abscess, which is a complication sore throats, and located on the side of tonsils, right or left.

Furuncle

A furuncle is a purulent focus, which is located on the skin in the form of an elevation, in the center of which there is a purulent-necrotic head. The people call this disease a boil.

With a boil, the cause of pain in the jaw raises no doubts - the pathological formation is on the skin, and it manifests itself outwardly very clearly.

If the boil is on the face, then this condition is dangerous in terms of the possibility of spreading the infection into the cranial cavity. Therefore, you should not try to squeeze it out on your own - you need to see a doctor.

Pain in the jaw near the ear - pathology of the temporomandibular joint

Among the pathologies of the temporomandibular joint, the most common are arthritis, arthrosis, and dysfunction. In this case, the localization of the symptom is very characteristic: there is earache and jaw. Only ear pain may occur.

Arthrosis

Arthrosis is a degenerative lesion of the temporomandibular joint, characterized by constant aching pain in the jaw. In this case, there is a set of characteristic symptoms:

• many patients note both pain and crunch in the jaw - and sometimes various noises and crunches may be the only manifestation of pathology;
• pain sensations intensify during a strong opening of the mouth, closing the jaws, chewing, which often forces patients to chew food on only one side;
• stiffness of movements in the joint is noted in the morning.

Even if the entire specified set of signs is present, this does not always make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis of arthrosis. You need to visit a dentist who will make an examination and prescribe an X-ray examination.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease of the temporomandibular joint of inflammatory origin. Its main symptoms are pain and crunching in the jaw near the ear, a feeling of stiffness in movements. The following features are characteristic:

• pain can be of varying degrees of intensity, from mild discomfort to very excruciating sensations;
• the sounds that are felt when the joint moves can be different: crunch, clicks, noise;
• often the disease begins with the fact that a person feels stiffness in the joint in the morning.

As you can see, the nature of pain and other symptoms in arthritis strongly resembles arthrosis. If there is pain in the ear and jaw, then the disease can be confused with otitis media... The diagnosis is established after a doctor's examination and an x-ray.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint can be a consequence of trauma, degenerative or inflammatory process, bite pathology or masticatory muscles. At the same time, there is pain in the jaw when yawning, chewing, tightly closing the teeth, in combination with the following symptoms:

• pain in the jaw area often radiates to other areas: temple, cheek, forehead;
• with strong and sharp openings of the mouth, the patient feels clicks;
• jaw movements are disturbed.

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint as a cause of pain is diagnosed after being examined by a doctor and taking an X-ray.

Chronic pain in the jaws with tumors

Tumors of the upper and lower jaw can be benign or malignant. Chronic pain syndrome is very typical for them.

Benign tumors of the jaws

Some benign tumors of the jaws do not manifest themselves in any way. For example, with a common osteoma, pain almost never occurs. But there are also such tumors of the lower jaw, which are accompanied by chronic pain syndrome:
1. Osteoid osteoma - a tumor in which there are sharp pains in the jaw. As a rule, they occur at night. This tumor grows very slowly and may not have other symptoms for a long time. Gradually, it becomes so large that it leads to facial asymmetry.
2. Osteoblastoclastoma at first it manifests itself only in the form of mild aching pain in the jaw. They gradually increase. The patient's body temperature rises. A fistula forms on the skin of the face. If you examine the oral cavity, you will notice a pale pink swelling on the gums. There is pain in the jaw when chewing. With the growth of the neoplasm, the asymmetry of the face becomes clearly visible.
3. Adamantinoma- a tumor, the first sign of which is a thickening of the jaw. It increases in size, as a result of which the chewing process is disrupted. The pain syndrome also gradually begins to grow. In the later stages of the disease, there is severe, sharp pain in the jaw, which is especially pronounced during chewing.

All benign tumors of the jaws that are asymptomatic or painful must be treated surgically.

Malignant tumors of the jaws

Often, benign and malignant tumors of the jaws have such similar clinical manifestations that they cannot be distinguished from each other without special studies.
1. Cancer- a malignant tumor originating from the skin and mucous membranes. It very quickly grows through the soft tissues located around the jaws, leading to loosening, exposure of the necks and loss of teeth. At first, the pain that bothers the patient is not very intense, but over time they get worse.
2. Sarcoma- a tumor from the connective tissue. Differs in rapid growth. It can grow significantly in size within a relatively short time. It is accompanied by intense pain in the jaw of a shooting character. In the initial stages, pain does not bother; on the contrary, there is a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes.
3. Osteosarcoma - a malignant tumor originating from the bone tissue of the lower jaw. It is characterized by not very severe pain in the jaw for a long time. The painful sensations intensify when palpating, spread to the face.

For the treatment of malignant tumors of the jaws, surgical methods are used, radiation therapy , chemotherapy etc.

Dental pathologies

Pains of this origin are called odontogenic. They are symptoms of diseases such as:

• Caries- a pathological process, which is accompanied by the destruction of the tooth, the formation of a carious cavity in it, irritation of the nerve endings.
• Pulpitis is a lesion of the soft tissues of the tooth (pulp), it is a deeper process that is a complication of caries.
• Periodontitis is an inflammatory process in the tissues surrounding the teeth.
• A periodontal abscess is an abscess that is located next to a tooth.
• Limited osteomyelitis of the jaw is the result of the spread of pathogens and inflammation from the tooth into the bone tissue. May be the beginning of a more extensive purulent process in the bone.
• Tooth injuries: dislocation of the tooth from the hole, fracture of the neck of the tooth.
• Increased sensitivity of teeth to mechanical irritants, high and low temperatures.
• Spontaneous toothaches - may occur briefly in some people for no apparent reason.

All odontogenic jaw pains have one common feature - they are accompanied by pain in the teeth... Moreover, if you examine the oral cavity, the affected tooth is easily detected. Pain in the jaw occurs and intensifies at night, and is usually pulsating in nature. They are provoked by mechanical stress on the teeth (chewing solid food, tightly closing), temperature changes (hot and cold food).

The diagnosis and treatment of pathologies that are the causes of odontogenic toothaches are carried out by a doctor dentist(in the case of surgical pathology - maxillofacial surgeon). In some cases, jaw surgery is indicated (for example, with osteomyelitis).

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gums

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gums ( gingivitis) is manifested by pain, which is aggravated by chewing rough food, swelling and redness of the gums.

A condition such as alveolitis is also known - inflammation of the alveoli after tooth extraction. In this case, pain also spreads to the jaw.

Jaw pain of neurogenic origin

When certain nerves are damaged, pain radiates in the jaw:
1. Trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for the sensory innervation of the entire face. With the defeat of its lower branch, the pain radiates in the jaw. It is very strong, sharp, occurs in the form of seizures, usually at night. The nature of the pain is boring, burning. It worries only on one side, since the nerve damage is in most cases one-sided. It is characteristic that painful sensations with such neuralgia never spread behind the jaw.

2. Neuralgia of the superior laryngeal nerve. In this case, there is a rather intense pain under the lower jaw, to the right or to the left. It can spread to the face and chest. Characterized by the occurrence of pain during yawning and chewing, blowing your nose. Often the patient is simultaneously worried about cough, drooling, hiccups.
3. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. This is a fairly rare pathology. It is characterized by pains arising in the tongue, and then radiating to the lower jaw, pharynx and larynx, face, chest. The provoking factors for the onset of pain are: tongue movements, conversation, food intake. Pain usually lasts no more than three minutes, and is accompanied by severe dry mouth... After an attack, on the contrary, increased salivation worries.

Treatment of pain in the jaws with nerve damage depends on the nature of the pathology. Usually, medications are prescribed first, and if they are ineffective, they resort to surgical transection of the nerves.

Vascular disease

A sufficient supply of blood is a prerequisite for the normal functioning of any tissue or organ of the human body, including the jaws. As soon as the blood flow is disturbed, pain and other various symptoms immediately appear.

Pain in the jaws is noted with the following vascular pathologies:
1. Arteritis of the facial artery accompanied by burning pain in the jaws. In this case, pain can occur in the lower jaw (along the lower edge, from the chin to the corner) or the upper jaw (in the area of ​​the wings of the nose and upper lip). The most typical location for pain is in the middle of the lower edge of the lower jaw, where the facial artery is bent through it. Painful sensations are given to the inner part of the eye.
2. Damage to the carotid artery , the origin of which is not entirely clear, is today considered as a variety migraine... The pain occurs in and under the lower jaw, in the neck, teeth, ear, sometimes the corresponding half of the face. Pain can be triggered by palpating the area of ​​the carotid artery.

For pain in the jaws caused by vascular pathologies, special medications are used.

Causes of pain under the lower jaw

There are a large number of anatomical structures under the lower jaw. With their lesions, pain may develop, radiating to the jaw.

First of all, it is worth considering the pathologies associated with the submandibular lymph nodes. An inflammatory process can develop in them ( lymphadenitis). In this case, the infection enters the lymph nodes with the flow of blood or lymph from diseased teeth, with injuries. With acute lymphadenitis, there is a sharp pain under the lower jaw, an increase in body temperature, general weakness and malaise. Without proper treatment, this disease can become chronic. In this case, an enlarged lymph node is well felt under the lower jaw. Periodically, the process is exacerbated, which is accompanied by repeated occurrence of acute pain. Submandibular lymphadenitis can lead to such purulent-inflammatory processes as submandibular phlegmon and abscess.

Tumors of the submandibular lymph nodes most often they are metastases that penetrate into them from the jaw itself or other organs. At the same time, there is an increase in lymph nodes for a long time, their adhesion to the skin and other adjacent tissues. There are chronic pains under the jaw of various nature. Other symptoms: a slight increase in body temperature for a long time, weakness, malaise, weight loss. The doctor who conducts the diagnosis must ultimately answer two questions:
1. What happens in this case: lymphadenitis or metastases in the lymph nodes?
2. If these are metastases, from which organ did they spread?

Glosalgia- Hypersensitivity of the tongue. There are pains that radiate to the lower jaw. Glosalgia attacks are provoked by a long conversation, chewing rough food, taking cold, hot, spicy, sour foods, etc.

Glossitis- inflammatory lesion of the tongue, in which there is also pain under the lower jaw. When examining the oral cavity, the tongue looks thickened, has a bright red color. With a prolonged course, glossitis can transform into a submandibular phlegmon or abscess. In this case, there are pains radiating to the lower jaw.

Sialoliths- salivary stone disease. It is accompanied by non-intense pain under the lower jaw and soreness when pressing on the site of the lesion. Pain in the lower jaw leads to salivary stone disease of the sublingual and submandibular salivary gland. Other characteristic symptoms of this disease:

• swelling under the lower jaw, usually only on the right or left;
• pus is released from the duct of the gland that opens in the oral cavity, as a result of which the patient is worried about an unpleasant odor in the mouth ;
• if the process aggravates, then there are classic signs of inflammation: an increase in body temperature, malaise, weakness.

Sialoadenitis is an inflammation of the salivary glands. With the development of the inflammatory process in the sublingual and submandibular glands, there is pain under the lower jaw, an increase in body temperature, and malaise. The process can transform into an abscess or phlegmon.

Benign and malignant swelling of the salivary glands appear in the form of prolonged pain under the lower jaw of low intensity. With a malignant course and metastasis, there is an increase and soreness of nearby lymph nodes, exhaustion, and weakness.

At pharyngitis(inflammation of the pharynx) in some cases, patients are worried about sore throat and the lower jaw. There is a sore throat, cough.

Angina ( tonsillitis) - inflammation of the tonsils, manifested in the form of severe pain in the throat when swallowing. In this case, the pain can be given to the jaw, to the ear. The body temperature rises, and other signs of a respiratory infection may occur.

Tumors of the larynx. When the laryngeal nerve is irritated by a tumor, the pain spreads to the chest, lower jaw, and ear. Usually painful sensations increase gradually, over a long time. The patient is worried about "lump", sensation of a foreign body in the throat, perspiration, cough, voice disturbance. And with large tumors, breathing becomes difficult.

Pain in the lower jaw on the left with myocardial infarction and angina pectoris

Heart attack and angina- these are pathologies characterized by impaired blood flow in the coronary vessels hearts... Their typical manifestation is stabbing and burning. chest pain, in the center of the chest. But sometimes the seizures are atypical. In this case, their only manifestation is severe sharp pain in the lower jaw on the left. In this case, the patient is most often sure that he has a toothache.

This course of angina pectoris, and especially myocardial infarction, is very dangerous. A heart attack always poses a threat in terms of the development of severe complications, up to and including death. The patient should be immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. But he doesn't even think of visiting cardiologist, and sent with his complaints to the dental clinic.

This can even mislead the dentist: the doctor is confused with the treatment of a non-existent dental disease.

Pathologies of the maxillary sinuses and parotid salivary glands

Sinusitis- inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located in the body of the upper jaw. Since the process is usually one-sided, in most cases there are pains in the upper jaw - either on the right or on the left. In the morning they practically do not bother, and by the evening they increase. Gradually, pain is no longer attached only to the jaw. The patient begins to worry about headaches. At the same time, there are also typical sinusitis signs:

• persistent nasal congestion;
• following each other acute respiratory infections that do not pass in any way;
• swelling in the upper jaw on the right or left, pain in this place when pressed;
• increased body temperature, malaise.

Malignant tumors of the maxillary sinus for a long time they are able to disguise themselves under the course of sinusitis. The patient is concerned about not very pronounced pain in the upper jaw, right or left. If the tumor is located at the bottom of the sinus, then loosening of the upper teeth occurs. There is nasal congestion, purulent and bloody issues... Usually, the suspicion of a malignant process first arises when a patient is examined by an ENT doctor.

Parotitis (piggy, viral damage to the salivary glands) is a disease that is most common in childhood. There is a general soreness of the gland (it is located anterior to the auricle), the spread of pain in the upper and lower jaw. The patient's appearance is very characteristic: there is a pronounced swelling in the cheeks. The body temperature is elevated, the patient is experiencing general malaise. Parotitis disappears without a trace, in the future a persistent is formed immunity, preventing the re-development of the disease.

Before use, you must consult a specialist.

The jaw hurts when you open your mouth - a common complaint of people of any age. It is in vain to think that the unpleasant sensations will pass by themselves. The disease that caused them, in the absence of treatment, will progress. This will lead to other serious complications, pathology of the temporomandibular joint, and other health problems.

The structure and function of the temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint, or temporomandibular joint, is a paired organ in which the movement is synchronous. This ensures the performance of chewing functions and correct articulation. The joint is complex, subject to constant stress. Its structure and proximity to the nasal sinuses, ear and dentition makes the organ vulnerable to infectious lesions.

The lateral pterygoid muscles are additionally involved in the movement of the jaw joints, which pull the ligaments, providing motor activity. Several joint functions are distinguished, each of which is unique. These are frontal movements when opening, closing the mouth, articulation. Also, there are movements to the side and vertically when chewing food and sagittal - to advance the lower jaw.

A healthy temporomandibular joint has the following structure:

• elliptical articular head of the lower jaw;
• the glenoid fossa, divided in half by the petrotympanic fissure;
• the joint capsule - a strong membrane of connective tissue (it protects the joint from bacteria);
• tubercle - a cylindrical protrusion in front of the glenoid fossa;
• a plate of cartilaginous tissue (disc) between the articular surfaces, thanks to which the joint performs movement in different projections;
• ligaments that regulate movement: lateral, wedge-mandibular, temporomandibular.

The structure of the human TMJ changes after tooth loss. The articular head gradually dissolves, reaching the state of the fossa. In addition, the posterior tubercle is flattened, which leads to limitation of mobility and disruption of work.

Joint dysfunction occurs due to various situations that can disrupt the bite, lead to asymmetry of the face, and jamming of the jaws.

The nature of pain and the mechanism of its occurrence

When it hurts to open the mouth wide, or it is completely jammed, this almost always indicates an inflammatory process, a violation of the anatomy and tissue functions. The pain can spread to all areas of the face, shoot into the ear, cause migraines, discomfort with visual stress. It can be different - long and short, aching and acute, which is taken into account when making a diagnosis.

Aching pain in the lower jaw accompanies the inflammatory process, burning disturbs with neuralgia. With cutting pain, bone injuries are usually diagnosed. People who find it painful to chew, open their jaws wide, often consider the cause of the pathology of the skeletal system. However, the disease can also affect the surrounding tissues. If the patient ignores the pain, unpleasant symptoms will soon bother even with the jaw closed.

Under the influence of certain diseases, the jaw can jam, hurt on the left or right side. Pain on the left can indicate impaired blood circulation, problems with the vessels of the heart. Its right-sided character is observed with neoplasms, inflammatory processes. If the jaw hurts everywhere and constantly, an oncological factor can be suspected.

It happens that the jaw cracks after sleep, in the morning, at rest, cramps appear. Do not delay your visit to the doctor. Especially if the ailment is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• spasms with fever;
• throbbing pain with spasms;
• severe pain radiates to any ear, eye (we recommend reading: what to do if a toothache radiates to the ear?);
• swelling;
• mouth does not open;
• it hurts to chew for a long time;
• cramps in the lower part of the face.

When you open your mouth

Pain when opening the mouth is the result of a dislocation or fracture. If there has been no injury recently, these options are excluded. In this case, osteomyelitis is the cause of the discomfort. Other pathologies that lead to sharp, aching or sharp pain during the work of the jaws are dental diseases, among which caries ranks first. This also happens when dentures are not installed correctly.

When chewing and closing teeth

If the jaw system aches, aches, bothers when chewing, joining teeth, one can suspect its dislocation or osteomyelitis. Other ailments that lead to discomfort when teeth are closed include periodontitis, pulpitis, and complicated caries. With their exacerbations, the pain is of a pulsating nature, radiates to the temple, intensifies at moments of rest and night rest.

In the chronic form of pathologies, periodic aching pain is possible, which is exacerbated by the chewing load on the affected tooth or gum area. Certain foods and alcohol can also provoke unpleasant sensations when you chew. Leading to esophageal spasm, they also cause muscle spasm and jamming of the jaw.

Pressure

Pain in the cheeks when pressed has different causes. It can appear near the right or left side of the ears, and it can appear on palpation of the upper or lower part. The burning sensation is often caused by arteritis of the facial artery. With phlegmon, fistulas and abscess, the jaw will hurt even with light touch at rest, and others that cannot be ignored will be added to this symptom.

Pain when pressing on the teeth and gums speaks of their pathology, dental problems. Often she worries about abnormal eruption of a wisdom tooth, as well as accidental injury to the jaw.

Causes of pain in the jaw near the ear

Doctors often encounter patient complaints of pain in the jaw near the ear, pain in the ear when chewing. This symptom is not always associated with dental problems, and painful sensations can be caused by the following reasons:

Often there is pain in the jaw near the ear and temple due to carotidinia. This disease is akin to migraine, which is characterized by aching pain in the ear, radiating to the area of ​​the lower jaw and orbit. The pain is monotonous, but acute attacks occur that last from a couple of minutes to an hour. Carotidynia occurs when a dissection of the temporal artery, a tumor in the area of ​​the carotid artery.

Associated symptoms

Any discomfort when the mouth does not open completely, or the jaw hurts on the right / left, cannot be ignored. Especially if it hurts a child. The fact that the pain is not random will tell the accompanying symptoms:

Diagnostic methods

For complaints of pain near the cheekbones when yawning, eating, talking, a visual examination is carried out. After that, an X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, ECG is prescribed (if heart failure is suspected). The disease is differentiated depending on the type of origin:

• dental problems;
• neurology;
• pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• ENT diseases;
• trauma;
• neoplasms.

Diagnostics of cardiovascular, bone and ENT pathologies is carried out on the basis of analyzes and examination data. To identify why the skin on the face or tooth hurts, the mouth does not open, to identify neoplasms, X-ray and MRI will help.

Oncology is much more difficult to diagnose. This is helped by tests for tumor markers, tomography and other modern methods. Based on the results of the diagnosis, a treatment tactic is selected, the duration of which depends on the degree of neglect of the disease.

Which doctor should I go to?

What doctor will help if the lower jaw hurts? If it hurts to chew, and the problem is in the teeth and gums, you should make an appointment with the dentist. After an injury, with jamming of the jaw joints, incomplete opening of the mouth, it is worth seeing a maxillofacial surgeon.

Often, the patient does not find the cause, and the discomfort progresses: the ear on the right, the cheekbones, and the area around the neck hurts. In this case, you should consult a therapist. After the examination, he will tell you which doctor to contact, give a referral to an orthopedist, rheumatologist, neurologist, dentist-gnathologist, cardiologist, ENT specialist, gastroenterologist and other specialized specialists.

How is the jaw joint treated?

Analgesics will help eliminate acute pain in the jaw joints. However, taking them will not solve the problem once and for all. It is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of the pathology, which becomes:

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for dealing with painful sensations when opening the jaw, pathology of its joints are used as an adjunct to the main treatment. They will not help if the jaw is jammed, but they will relieve pain symptoms. After consultation with your doctor, you can use the following recipes:

Additionally, according to the testimony of a doctor, you can do therapeutic exercises. The set of exercises is something like this (repeat 5 times every day):

• frown, then raise in surprise;
• squint your eyes;
• smile with closed lips, and then with an open mouth;
• stick out your lips with a tube;
• inflate and deflate cheeks;
• relax your face, stroke your temples and cheekbones.

There are many reasons for pain when opening the jaw, which are not easy to prevent. Experts recommend avoiding traumatic sports, monitoring the diet, and treating gingivitis, caries and other dental pathologies in time. One should beware of hypothermia, infectious diseases, stress, which have a detrimental effect on the state of the cardiovascular and nervous system.