Aching jawbone

Fact Checked

Aching jawbone can make life miserable especially when eating and talking which results to pain in the mouth. Chipped teeth, swollen gums and sensitivity to hot and cold are the common dental problems.

Symptoms

• Headaches sometimes similar with migraines, earaches and pressure and pain can be felt behind the eyes.
• Pain in the jaw, face or areas of the ear
• Clicking or popping sound can be heard when opening or closing the mouth
• Jaw gets stuck, locked or not in proper alignment
• Facial swelling
• Tenderness of the jaw muscles

  

Causes

• Aching jawbone can be caused by teeth grinding which can cause severe damage to the teeth and result to jaw pain.
• Osteomyelitis is an infection that spreads through the bloodstream of the body which affects the bones and the surrounding tissues and result to an aching jawbone, fever and facial swelling.
• Temporomandibular disorder affects the temperomandibular joint of the jaw which causes an aching jawbone.
• Gum disease, abscessed tooth and cavities can spread into the jaw and cause pain.

Treatment

• Apply prescribed topical anesthetic for relief to the gums. Using clove also helps relieve the aching jawbone. Take prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help lessen dental pain before and after dental procedures.
• Apply a warm or cold compress. First, apply the warm compress on the affected area. Soak a towel in warm water and wring out the excess water. Apply a warm compress on the affected area of the jaw for at least 5-10 minutes several times every day. If a warm compress does not minimize the pain and inflammation, apply an ice pack on the area for at least 20 minutes. Avoid applying an ice pack directly on the skin to help prevent frostbite. Another way is alternately apply the warm and cold compress on the affected area on the aching jawbone. Apply the warm compress for at least 5 minutes and then the cold compress for another 5 minutes.
• Brush and floss the teeth regularly and rinse the mouth well. Pieces of food and chewing gum between teeth can result to sore gums and an aching jawbone. Popcorn kernels and hard chewy candies can also lead to an aching jawbone.
• Perform regular exercises for the jaw muscles by opening and closing and then move the jaw sideways. Steadily increase the rate of these exercises.
• Seek medical help immediately if the aching jawbone becomes severe since it can be a symptom of a serious condition.

Tips

• Maintain a regular dental checkup and dental cleaning.
• Brush the teeth using salt water solution. Dissolve salt in a few drops of water or a little toothpaste. Use this mixture when brushing the teeth.
• Keep a solution of water and lemon juice in the mouth for at least 40 seconds for relief.
• In a glass filled with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda and mix until completely dissolved. Swish the solution around the mouth for at least 30-45 seconds and spit out and rinse the mouth using clean water.