Causes of Pain in Right Side of Face and Jaw and Ear

 

What can cause pain in the right side of the face and jaw, and ear? You may be suffering from a sinus infection. If so, you may notice pain in the upper jaw. Sinuses can make it difficult to clear the sinus cavities, and the mucus can accumulate inside them. This can cause pain in the jaw, as it can encase a nerve that supplies sensation to the jaw.

The cause of pain in one side of the face, jaw, and ear may be a variety of things, from dental issues to underlying health problems. In most cases, one-sided jaw pain is not a medical emergency. It’s a sign of an underlying condition.

An underlying cause of pain in the right side of the face and ear is a dental or salivary gland problem. A tumour may be the source of pain. While this type of tumour is rare, it affects as many as four per cent of malignant tumours in the U.S. Migraine headaches can also cause pain in the jaw and ear. Treating migraine headaches consists of learning your triggers and taking preventative medications like Topamax.

Fortunately, good oral hygiene can prevent oral conditions and other symptoms that cause pain in the jaw and ear. Flossing daily, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking are some steps you can take to relieve this pain. 

The aching in the cheekbones is common after a tooth extraction or root canal, but it can also result from a dental condition. Although there are many possible causes of jaw pain, these can be treated effectively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, pain in the jaw may be a sign of coronary artery disease and can also lead to angina or heart attack.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a type of neurological condition. It occurs more frequently in women than men and usually affects the right side of the face. It does not run in families. Patients with this condition often experience intense stabbing pain that can be triggered by anything, including a light breeze or an irritating touch. In some cases, it may even cause a person to feel anxious and panicky, but the pain is not always related to this condition.

TMJ arthritis is osteoarthritis. It develops after cartilage is worn away. Osteoarthritis patients often experience pain in the jaw and ear. However, autoimmune arthritis is another cause of jaw and ear pain. Inflammation in the TMJ joint can trigger a migraine. Pain in the jaw can be triggered by light, sound, and smell.

Questions about recent trauma to the jaw or habits that trigger it may also help in diagnosis. Examining the jaw, teeth, TM joint, neck, and shoulders may help determine the exact cause of your jaw pain. If the pain is persistent, an x-ray will be necessary.

A CAT scan or high-resolution MRI will help diagnose a trigeminal nerve problem. Advanced MRI techniques can show blood vessels pressing on the trigeminal nerve. These tests are a good way to determine the underlying cause of pain in the right side of the face, jaw, and ear.