Experiencing jaw pain or jaw locking can be an incredibly frustrating and painful experience, especially when you want to talk or eat. If you find yourself unable to open your mouth all the way or you are in severe pain every time you yawn, chew, or open your mouth wide, you may be experiencing a serious problem. While jaw pain can range from something very mild and temporary to painful and serious, here are some times you should seek emergency care for your jaw.
What Causes Jaw Pain and Locking?
There are many potential causes of jaw pain and locking. Some causes are minor while others can be serious. Your jaw joint is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD). When something goes wrong with this joint, it can cause pain, stiffness, and limited ability to open or close your mouth. TMJ disorder is a common source of jaw pain. Other sources include teeth grinding, abscessed teeth, jaw trauma or injury, arthritis, or even a sinus or ear infection. Rarely, jaw pain that appears suddenly may be related to heart conditions, especially if you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.
When Should Jaw Pain Be Treated as an Emergency?
Most cases of jaw pain aren’t for emergency room visits. However, don’t ignore these red flags. If you experience:
- Sudden, severe pain in your jaw that won’t go away
- A locked jaw that you can’t open or close all the way
- Redness, swelling or heat in your jaw
- Fever or signs of infection
- Jaw pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness. Pain in your shoulder and jaw
Seek emergency care for sudden jaw pain that doesn’t go away. You may have an infection that needs immediate treatment, such as a dislocated jaw, a fracture, or (though unlikely) a heart problem.
Home Remedies for Jaw Pain Before You See Us
While you wait for your appointment with your emergency dentist or doctor, you may:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling/pain
- Eat soft foods, avoid chewing on either side
- Perform gentle jaw stretches (as tolerated)
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
Don’t try to pry your jaw open or self-adjust it, as this will likely aggravate the issue.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
You can sometimes prevent jaw pain or TMJ issues from occurring if you know you’re at risk. Don’t grind your teeth (wear a night guard to help with this), practice good posture, relieve stress, and see your dentist regularly. Also, seek dental care if you suspect you may have a disorder. Finding dental and jaw problems early can save you from a sudden dental emergency.
Jaw pain and locking can be minor discomfort or potential medical emergencies. Pay attention to your body’s warning signs and get help when you need it. Call your emergency dentist or physician if you experience sudden, severe pain, locking, inflammation, or other serious symptoms. The quicker you act, the better you can avoid long-term pain.