Jaw Conditions: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of jaw conditions?

Jaw conditions cause dysfunction and pain in the jaw and face region that may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.

TMJ symptoms of jaw conditions

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder include:

• Chewing difficulty or discomfort
• Difficulty opening and closing mouth (locking of the joint)
• Earache
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Uneven bite

Bruxism symptoms of jaw conditions

Symptoms related to bruxism (tooth grinding and jaw clenching) include:

• Chewed tissue on the inside of the cheek
• Chronic facial pain
• Earache
• Enlarged jaw muscles
• Headache
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Indentations on the tongue
• Jaw pain or tightness in jaw muscles
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Teeth that are worn down, flattened, fractured or chipped
• Worn tooth enamel that exposes deeper layers of the tooth

Other symptoms of jaw conditions

There are a number of other causes of jaw conditions. Symptoms will vary depending on the underlying cause. Examples of symptoms include:

• Bleeding
• Deformity of the jaw or face
• Lump in the jawbone or surrounding tissues
• Redness, warmth or swelling

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, a jaw condition can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Locked jaw (unable to open or close)
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Severe bleeding