pain in jaw

Recently I have been having pain on both sides of my jaw and up the back of my head. It started off on the right side making my face feel numb and then gave me shooting pain in the side of my head and down my neck. I have also been feeling like my ears are clogged or there is a lot of pressure in my head. I constantly feel as if I have been given a numbing medication because my teeth feel numb. I know that sounds weird but it feels like my mouth and teeth have been numbed. I have been clenching my teeth alot recently but when I catch myself I stop. I have not been to a dentist in at least 2 years if not more. Could there be a problem with my teeth or could it be tmj?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It certainly sounds like the TMJ area is effected for some reason. I would suggest you see a dentist who specializes in TMJ dysfunction.

[mike1105]

danielle, it can also be decayed teeth, or impacted wisdom teeth trying to find room to erupt. you should see a dentist for a complete exam, xrays, and treatment plan.

[funkynina]

Danielle, You should go see the dentist. I agree it could be a TMJ problem. When your nerves of your face get tight they can definately get pinched and cause numbness. Try taking a paper towel and rolling it up to be about 1/4 inch thick and tape it together so that it looks like a log. Then cut it into two pieces about 1 inch long. Take one and put it on top of your lower right teeth and then put the other one on top of the lower left teeth. Rest your top teeth on top of it. Don't bite on it just rest on it. Leave it there for about 5 minutes and make sure you are relaxed. When you remove them if your facial muscles feel better it maybe that your TMJ is having a dysfunction.  You will need to go to a dentist either way. They may need to make you a splint that will help with the pain.
*Be careful with prescription meds. for pain you don't want to get hooked on anything! Best of luck