What can be the reason for my jaw pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have jaw pain while clenching my jaw together and opening my mouth wide. It has pained only on the left side where my two jaw bones meet in the back of the mouth or jaw. I took Advil and the pain has reduced. May I know the reason for this?

Please explain.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The pain you are experiencing may be caused by soreness of your masticatory muscles, which are the muscles used during eating and chewing. Consult your dentist for a physical evaluation to eliminate malocclusion (imperfect positioning of the tooth), tooth caries, or abscesses in the mouth. The pain could be due to repeated clenching of your jaws or grinding of the teeth during sleep called bruxism. It may also be due to any associated tooth problems that can be visualized clinically or with X-rays. I suggest you use muscle relaxants and analgesics to control muscle tenderness and pain.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.