Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

jaw pain

hi i get jaw pain alot at night. i have a nite guard from the dentist but it doesnt always help. i get some bad headaches which is muscle pain as i get  bothersome shoulders. and advil and tylenol dont help at all. the smornig i woke up and my left ear feels full. it was really itchy inside but only the outside of the ear hurts not the inside at all. i can feel that my jaw joint has like a knot in it. its the headaches i cant stand. alot of morning i wake up with one and im guessing its due to this jaw pain. is only on left side. do i go to the dentist or dr for this? had my wisdoms out yrs ago and had a bad infection, could this have anything to do with that?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1337001 tn?1276883841
Hi,

It appears you are having problems with the Temporomandibular joint secondary to ?Bruxism (grinding of the teeth). Night guard would prevent the same but in certain occasions you might not benefit from that. Please do consult your Dentist/Faciomaxillary surgeon and your physiotherapist.

Few Tips:

1. Reduce stress if any
2. Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee.
3. Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
4. Avoid chewing on pencils or pens or anything that is not food.
5. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
6. Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
7. Try taking muscle relaxants (such as Methacarbamol)

Regards
OHNS2010
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sounds like TMJ.  I would reconsult your dentist for further recommendations for this unresolved jaw pain, etc.  

Do you have a TMJ splint or a bruxism guard you use at night?  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dental Health Community

Top Dental Answerers
Avatar universal
taipei, Taiwan
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw clicking and popping ear pain, you may have TMJ. Top dentist Hamidreza Nassery, DMD, has the best TMJ treatments for you.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.