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February 10, 2012

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Jaw Pain Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

Terms related to Jaw Pain:

Pain in the Jaw
Temporomandibular Joint Pain
TMJ Pain

The jaw joint, medically referred to as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, is made up of the bone below the mouth (the mandible, commonly referred to as the jawbone) and the bone just above the mouth (the maxilla). The TMJ allows the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw and is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.

The temporomandibular joints are complex structures containing muscles, tendons, and bones. Injury to or disorders of these structures can all result in pain in the jaw area. Additionally, other medical conditions not related to the TMJ may cause perceived pain in the jaw area. One of the most characteristic of these is the pain associated with coronary artery disease or heart attack, which typically occurs in the chest but can radiate (spread) to the jaw area.

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Causes of Jaw Pain

Abscessed Tooth Absecessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth, most commonly caused by severe...learn more »
Angina Angina is chest pain that is due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery...learn more »
Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness...learn more »
Cluster Headaches The term cluster headache is a type of headache that recurs over a period of time. There are episodes that last one to three...learn more »
Cysts Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance....learn more »
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute...learn more »
Fracture Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »
Heart Attack Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart...learn more »
Migraine Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »
Sinus Infection Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of...learn more »
Swimmer's Ear Swimmer's ear (external otitis) is an infection of the skin that covers the outer ear canal. Causes of swimmer's ear include...learn more »
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep....learn more »
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes signs and symptoms...learn more »
Toothache Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems,...learn more »
Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain that originates in the face is referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. This pain may be caused by an injury, and infection in...learn more »