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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Jaw Pain While Chewing Food?

a few times per week for a few months now, When I try to close my jaw or chew food, the right back side of my jaw hurts... well, under the jaw or right under my right ear as though there is a fluid or something there that has no place to go when I try to close my jaw. It goes away after a few hours and up to a day or 2. There is no abvious swelling and I have no ear or tooth aches of any kind.
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
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Dentist 's  Response
Thanks for using Health Care Magic.

Read your query.

Pain on opening or chewing ,popping sounds while biting suggests TMJ syndrome.Pain can be relieved by a combination of medications including muscle relaxants.

I would advice you to visit a Oral and Maxillo-facial surgeon and get it evaluated and if splints are needed to fit over the teeth,you can get it done. These devices take pressure off the jaw joints and muscles so they can relax and heal.If TMJ syndrome is properly treated, the symptoms will definitely be cured.

Hope this was helpful.

Thanks and regards.

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Dentist Dr. Lizabeth Sloane's  Response
Hello,
I would like to be able to palpate the area you are concerned about to assist with a diagnosis.
You are have a joint with a disc called the TMJ. Your pain may be related to this joint and position of the disc. Have you had any trauma to this side of your mouth? There are various disorders associated with this joint from arthritis to the stress of clenching or grinding your teeth. Gently feel the area on both sides of your jaw and compare. This may give additional information on the function of the joint.
You describe signs of inflammation. Take some anti-inflammatory medication such as Tylenol or Advil. The antihistamine Benedryl has an anti-inflammatory effect. A soft diet and reduced stress on your joint is recommended. Do you feel a tense muscle in your cheek? Moist heat may offer some relief. Night guards can prevent grinding of your teeth at night. Fliud build up can indicate an infection or abscess draining. You need additional diagnosis to rule out another source of infection. Lymph nodes can react to infection and swelling can come and go accordingly.
I suggest a dental exam and review of your symptoms. Routine dental exams will evaluate your bite for stress to your joint and determine if any infections are present.
Thank you for your inquiry. I hope you will have relief from my suggestions and find my response helpful.
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What Causes Jaw Pain While Chewing Food?

Thanks for using Health Care Magic. Read your query. Pain on opening or chewing ,popping sounds while biting suggests TMJ syndrome.Pain can be relieved by a combination of medications including muscle relaxants. I would advice you to visit a Oral and Maxillo-facial surgeon and get it evaluated and if splints are needed to fit over the teeth,you can get it done. These devices take pressure off the jaw joints and muscles so they can relax and heal.If TMJ syndrome is properly treated, the symptoms will definitely be cured. Hope this was helpful. Thanks and regards.