Jaw pain is a common complaint and often represents a minor problem or dental issue. More serious conditions like jaw arthritis can also manifest as pain in the jaw and deserve prompt medical attention. Symptoms for each causative condition vary and treatment options vary accordingly.
Causes and Treatments of Jaw Pain on the Right Side
1. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that can become inflamed or irritated due to several factors. Chewing gum is a common cause of overuse and causes TMJ pain.
Symptoms |
Right side jaw pain and headaches, nausea as well as dizziness. |
Treatments |
Resting the jaw and eating soft foods are a mainstay of treatment. |
Self-massage to relieve TMJ jaw pain
2. Trauma
Injuries and trauma to the jaw result in jaw pain. Pain may be felt on the side of trauma or on the right side depending on the direction of the blow. The jaw can be bruised, fractured or dislocated.
Symptoms |
Pain is the hallmark of right sided jaw trauma. |
Treatments |
Ice compress and painkillers can be applied to reduce pain and swelling. |
3. Bruxism
People with this condition grind, clench, tap and grate their teeth side to side when sleeping.
Symptoms |
Common symptoms include headaches, jaw and neck pain, tooth pain and premature wear of the teeth. |
Treatments |
Bruxism treatment includes stress management and occasionally medication such as muscle relaxants or antidepressants. |
4. Jaw Arthritis
The jaw is prone to arthritis as is any other joint in the body. The wear and tear accumulates over time and causes pain and difficulty chewing.
Symptoms |
Right sided (or left) jaw pain, swelling and difficulty chewing are common. |
Treatments |
Eating soft foods during periods of flare up can help. |
5. Dental Problems
Dental problems are a frequent cause of right sided jaw pain. A variety of conditions can result in pain, swelling and difficulty chewing.
Symptoms |
Dental infections can result in severe right sided jaw pain and swelling. |
Treatments |
The best option is to see a dentist for expert evaluation and treatment. Your dentist will determine if antibiotics are needed, recommend pain medication, possible take an x-ray and perform any necessary treatments. |
6. Trigeminal Neuralgia
This condition is also known as tic douloureux and is caused by inflammation, irritation or trauma to the facial nerve.
Symptoms |
Lancinating, sharp or shock like pains in the right side of the jaw, face or head are often debilitation. |
Treatments |
Pain relief is of paramount importance and includes a combination of OTC pain relievers, narcotics, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. |
7. Sinus Problems
Sinus infections frequently cause jaw pain. The maxillary sinuses lie just above the upper teeth and an infection here can result in right sided jaw pain.
Symptoms |
In addition to jaw pain, facial fullness, congestion and colored sinus drainage are present. |
Treatments |
OTC cold and decongestants such as Sudafed can help. |
8. Other Causes
The discussion above covers the most common causes of jaw pain, but you should understand that nail biting, thumb sucking and chewing on objects can harm the jaw structures and cause right sided jaw pain. Symptoms may be mild or progress to severe debilitating pain.
Mild pain can be treated with common sense, eating soft foods and taking OTC analgesics. Persistent or recurring pain indicates a more serious condition may be developing and seeing a dentist is the best advice.
Jaw pain accompanied by chest discomfort, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath may indicate a heart attack and emergency medical attention is required.
Watch a video for jaw pain relief: