Why does my right jawbone hurt when I open my mouth?
Mar 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The right jawbone hurts when opening the mouth, which may be caused by factors such as trauma, temporomandibular joint arthritis, or temporomandibular joint disorder. When the right side of the face suffers external impact, it can damage surrounding muscles, tissues, and bones. Opening the mouth stretches or irritates the injured area, causing pain. If a fracture or bone crack occurs, the pain in the right facial bones will be more severe.
Pain in the right jawbone when opening the mouth may be caused by trauma, temporomandibular joint arthritis, temporomandibular joint disorders, or other factors.
1. Trauma
When the right side of the face suffers external impact, it can cause injury to surrounding muscles, tissues, and bones. Opening the mouth may stretch or irritate the injured area, resulting in pain. If a fracture or bone crack occurs, the pain in the right jawbone will be more severe. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation to confirm whether a fracture is present. Simple soft tissue injuries can be relieved through physical therapy, heat application, and similar methods.
2. Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis
Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint due to infection or other causes can lead to joint inflammation, causing pain in the right jawbone when opening the mouth. The joint area may also show noticeable swelling and pain, with difficulty in proper bite alignment. Even slight force can trigger pain in the joint region. Conservative treatment is typically recommended. During the acute phase, antibiotics such as cefuroxime tablets may be prescribed under a doctor’s guidance.
3. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Excessive psychological stress, frequent chewing of hard foods, or severe tooth wear may lead to an imbalance in subchondral bone remodeling on the right side. When opening the mouth, the area around the right jaw joint may be stretched, causing localized soreness or pain. Additional symptoms may include joint clicking, limited mouth opening, and restricted movement of the jaw during opening or lateral motions. In the early or acute stages, patients should consume soft foods, allow the jaw to rest or reduce activity, and apply local heat therapy.
Additionally, periodontitis could also be a potential cause. It is essential to undergo appropriate medical evaluations under a physician's guidance to determine the underlying cause and receive systematic, standardized treatment.
