What causes pain in the jaw with sleep disturbance?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Based on the information you have provided, it looks like you might be suffering from a dental infection due to severe dental decay, causing inflammation of the dental pulp. Since the decay is not visible directly, it might be between two teeth or perhaps your upper wisdom tooth, which usually erupts towards the cheek.

Also, it can be due to a crack in the tooth structure, leading to exposure and infection of the pulp and pain on friction between the moving fragments of the tooth. So the differential diagnoses can be chronic irreversible pulpitis, periapical abscess, and cracked tooth syndrome.

For a definitive diagnosis, we will require the following information:

1. Intraoral clinical photographs.
2. Dental x-rays like IOPA (intraoral periapical radiograph) and OPG (orthopantomography).
3. A CBCT (cone beam computer tomography) may be advised if required for further investigation.

Any medical history like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, blood disorders, allergies, or acidity? Any ongoing medication, including any nutritional supplements? The increase in pain at night might be attributed to the fact that when we lie down, the blood flow to the head region increases, leading to pressure changes and subsequent pain.

A set of prescription antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines may help reduce the pain. Use of saltwater rinses to clear food debris will help in keeping the area clean.

Preventive measures:

1. Brush twice daily with a fluoride-containing paste.
2. Use of interdental floss to clean the surfaces, spaces, and contacts between the teeth.
3. Use saltwater gargles every day, especially after meals.
4. Tongue cleaning regularly.
5. A periodic checkup with your dentist once every six months.
6. A visit to the dentist for oral prophylaxis (teeth cleaning and polishing) once every six months.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.