Acute Jaw Pain

Acute jaw pain can make it difficult for a person to perform basic actions like eating, talking and even yawning. A doctor can diagnose the cause of your jaw pain and offer you treatment options.

Jaw Pain

• Acute jaw pain can occur at any place in your jaw, including the temporomandibular joint, where your jaw joins with your skull.

Temporomandibular Disorder

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, jaw pain can be triggered by temporomandibular disorder, which occurs when there is a problem with the joint or the muscles attached to it.

Causes

• Acute jaw pain can be caused by clenching or grinding your teeth, which causes the muscles in your jaw to tense up. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can also cause jaw pain.

Treatment

• Jaw pain can be treated with pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen. Night guards and dental appliances are available that will keep you from grinding your teeth.

Considerations

• Pain that begins in your jaw can spread, leading to pain in your neck or inside your ears, according to the Mayo Clinic.