Jaw pain can be caused by a number of factors, including allergies, sinus infections, and colds.

Jaw pain can occur for a number of reasons: temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a teeth-grinding habit, gum disease and untreated cavities.

It is also possible to experience discomfort in the jaw and teeth when your sinuses are blocked. Sinus infections, congestion and allergies can all affect the jaw and face, often causing swelling and pain.

How do allergies affect my jaw?

If you suffer from severe seasonal allergies or a sinus infection, you may feel a dull pain in your teeth and jaw. You may also feel a build-up of pressure in the areas around your eyes and nose, which can often extend down into your jaw.

In some cases, a problem in the sinuses, such as inflammation caused by seasonal allergies, can also trigger an already existing case of TMJ. In fact, the sinuses and jaw are closely connected, and undiagnosed TMD can easily be aggravated by allergies or a sinus infection.

What is the connection between the sinuses and the jaw?

We have sinuses between our eyes, in the cheekbone and above the bridge of the nose, which means that they take up a considerable amount of space in the facial area. When the sinuses become swollen and inflamed, the pain and pressure that we feel in these areas can easily move to the jaw. This causes jaw pain, as well as headaches, earaches and general facial tenderness and discomfort.

If you suffer from allergies on a regular basis, it can be difficult to know if your sinuses are your main concern, or whether you are suffering from TMJ. In many cases, however, both of these issues play a part.

Some common symptoms of seasonal allergies and sinus inflammation include a stuffy nose, headaches, pain in the ears, a sore throat, and swelling or tenderness in the face, especially around the nose and eyes. Some of the symptoms of TMD can feel quite similar — ear pain and pressure, headaches, jaw pain, and swelling of the face can all occur.

Also, if you suffer from congestion, it is likely that you breathe through your mouth — this can lead to additional pressure on the jaw.

Should I see my dentist?

If you feel pain in your jaw, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help. This will help to rule out any underlying conditions, like problems with your jaw or oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. If, however, none of these issues are diagnosed and you are feeling congested, it is possible that you have a sinus infection or severe allergies, which could be causing you discomfort. In this case, we may refer you to a general practitioner who will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment.

If we find that you are suffering from both TMD and allergies, we will help you manage your jaw pain. The treatment is most likely to be non-surgical, and we may consult with other healthcare practitioners to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

If you are suffering from jaw pain, we encourage you to come in and see us. Our team is dedicated to providing the very best care for each patient, and we pride ourselves on our friendly service and high-quality treatments. Our surgeons are highly specialised and experienced, and happy to address any of your questions and concerns. To find out more about our team, please take a look here.

To find out more about the treatment and management of jaw pain, or to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.