Oral Caner

Dear Doctor,
     The other day, I noticied that I had pain when opening my mouth wide.  It only lasted a few hours that day.  It hasn't happened before that day or after that day.  What could it have been?  Could it be serious?  I visited the dentist for a check-up 4 months ago.  Everything was fine. My wisdom teeth are out. The only other time I have pain in my teeth is the very cold weather and drinking cold drinks. (sensitive teeth)  
Thank You

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Without examining you, it is impossible to say what the pain is.  If it occurs when you open your mouth wide, one possibility would be TMJ syndrome.  This condition produces pain in the muscles and joints of the jaw that can radiate to the face, neck, and head and even the shoulders. There also may be difficulty opening the mouth all the way, or clicking and popping noises when chewing, yawning, kissing or moving the joint. The most common causes of TMJ are a poor bite, and stress, combined with grinding of the teeth, especially at night.

I would suggest an evaluation by an ENT specialist to further evaluate the TMJ joint.  

If there is a lesion in your mouth that is concerning for oral cancer, a referral to an oral surgeons should be arranged to biopsy an potention lesion.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Philip1815]

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