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What Does Pain in the Jaw Mean for a Diabetic?

Jaw pain can be a common symptom of many things, but is primarily a symptom of dental problems for most people. For the diabetic, jaw pain may be indicative of more serious underlying issues and should be evaluated by your diabetes care team.

  1. Dental Problems and Diabetes

    • One of the most common causes of jaw pain is dental issues, and this is of particular concern to diabetics. According to the American Dental Association, problems for diabetics can occur from tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, salivary gland dysfunction, fungal infections,inflammatory skin disease, infection and delayed healing.

    Diabetic Considerations

    • People with diabetes may have a reduced ability to fight infection and be more susceptible to infections, including tooth and gum infection, which can cause pain in the jaw.
      High glucose levels in saliva may encourage the growth of bacteria, resulting in more tooth decay and potential jaw pain.

    Focal Neuropathies, Another Source of Jaw Pain

    • Nerve damage can develop over time in people with diabetes. While neuropathy, or nerve damage, may not show any symptoms, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes who develop a neuropathy will have symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in extremities, organs, digestive tract and even the face and jaw.
      There are four types of neuropathies: peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal. The type of neuropathy that affects the jaw is called focal neuropathy.
      Most neuropathies occur in people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years, but they can also occur in patients with fluctuating glucose levels and weight and blood pressure problems.

    Expert Insight

    • More severe conditions, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), are rare but can be a source of jaw pain. According to a 2007 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 92, patients with diabetes may be at a higher risk in the development of ONJ.

    Warning

    • If jaw pain is accompanied by chest pain, see a doctor immediately. According to dentalcareuniverse.com, although jaw pain is most commonly caused by dental disease, it can indicate other, more serious problems. If you have a history of heart problems, especially associated with diabetes, or have had previous heart surgery, jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

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