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Jaw pain - causes and treatment
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Definition of pine
Causes of jaw pain
Therapy for jaw pain
Naturopathy in case of jaw pain
Definition of pine
As jaws are medically the two bones of the Facial skull called, in which the teeth are usually located. A distinction is made between the upper jaw (lat. Maxilla) and the lower jaw (lat. Mandibula), which is flexibly attached to the temporal bone (temporal bone) via the temporomandibular joint (Articulatio temporomandibularis). While this is being moved through the masticatory muscles and thus, for example, chewing movements or the closure of the mouth are possible, the upper jaw is not movable. The upper and lower jaws are only indirectly connected, whereas the two halves of the jaw are completely fused together.
Causes of jaw pain
Jaw pain right / left
A very common cause of jaw pain on the right and / or left side are signs of wear in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The temporomandibular joints are the two most commonly used joints of the body, which are constantly in motion not only through biting and chewing, but also through speaking and swallowing. Like all other joints, the temporomandibular joint will wear out and develop arthrosis over time due to the mismatch between stress and exercise capacity. Due to the permanently heavy load, the risk of a mandibular joint osteoarthritis increases considerably with increasing age. In addition, but can also be incorrect loading of the jaw bone of the reason, which in turn can often be caused by the loss of molars, but also by incorrectly adapted or worn dentures or old, worn dental fillings. Also, tooth decay, periodontal disease, injuries or inflammation can trigger a Kiefergelenkarthrose be, as well as the nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism), by now a variety of adults, but also affected children. The teeth are unconsciously pressed or rubbed against one another to overload the muscles of the jaw and temporomandibular joints, which often leads to irreparable damage to the entire chewing system.
Often an osteoarthritis in this area expresses first by grating, cracking and crunching noises in the temporomandibular joint, in addition there is usually a limited mobility of the jaw. It is also typical that sufferers not only experience chronic jaw pain when yawning, chewing, talking or opening the mouth, but also frequently suffer from headaches and complaints in the neck, shoulder or ears.
A cyst on the tooth root is one possible cause of jaw pain. (Image: Henrie / fotolia.com) Jaw pain in case of a cold
Pain in the jaw can also occur in connection with a cold (also called "flu" infection), which is one of the most common diseases and affects adults on average about three times and preschool children up to ten times a year. A cold is an acute upper respiratory tract infection caused in most cases by viruses such as adeno, rhino, parainfluenza, or coxsackieviruses. The infection is primarily due to droplet infection, which means that pathogens spread through the air in the air due to coughing, sneezing, speaking, etc. and are therefore inhaled by other people. In addition, however, a contact infection (also called "smear infection") is possible in which the infectious germs pass through the hands to the mucous membranes of the mouth, eye and nose into the body. Since the defense of the pathogens requires a strong immune system, the development of a cold is also favored by immunocompromising factors such as hypothermia, lack of sleep, stress or other diseases, including being with many people in closed rooms (eg at work, at events, in kindergarten etc .) represents an additional risk especially in the cold weddings autumn and winter.
Typically, mild sore throat or a dry throat appear at the beginning, and scratching of the throat and throat often occurs. As soon as the cold has "broken out", there are usually other symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, hoarseness, headache, fever, body aches, severe tiredness and a general feeling of weakness - although the symptoms may vary widely in combination and intensity. If the common cold is caused by viruses, it is also possible that a bacterial infection ("superinfection") occurs to the virus infection, because the defense mechanisms are already weakened by the four, bacteria have an easier game to re-infect the affected tissue , Especially in children, a cold therefore often leads to a middle ear infection, also possible sinusitis, pleural or pneumonia, tonsillitis or bronchitis.
Presentation of the upper and lower jaw. (Photo: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com Jaw pain due to wisdom tooth
Even wisdom teeth can be the reason for pronounced jaw pain, usually caused by the fact that one or more of these teeth do not have sufficient space in the jaw. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth or the third molars (molars) in the upper and lower jaw, which are also referred to by the dentist as "8er". Basically, these third molars are a relic from the past, when humans had to chew food even more by chewing than they do today - accordingly, the four wisdom teeth represent a so-called "rudiment" because they are still very common, but at the same time have no function at all today. The 8s break in most cases only in adulthood, although only about 50% of people have enough space in the jaw at all, so that the teeth often remain completely enclosed in the jaw or break only partially (partial retention). While teeth remaining in the jaw usually do not cause discomfort, breakthroughs due to lack of space in the lower jaw are very often accompanied by severe jaw pain, which often begins slowly, but gradually increases and is often accompanied by headache. Can the teeth due to the lack of space only partially break through ("Dentitio difficilis") it comes through accumulated food remnants and bacteria also quickly to acute or chronic inflammation, which is usually accompanied by a "puckernden" or "throbbing" pain, the often radiates to the ear and temple. If the wisdom teeth break through only in a jaw, they can also become a gliding obstruction due to the missing tooth in the jaw (antagonist or "opponent"). This in turn increases the risk of tooth damage, teeth grinding (bruxism) and TMJ discomfort, which can ultimately lead to severe toothache.
Even after a wisdom tooth operation, jaw pain can occur. These are usually not a cause for concern, but are as well as swelling, bruising or a restricted mouth opening normal side effects or Nachstand the surgical procedure. Overall, the symptoms should improve from day to day - otherwise it may also be a complication such as the so-called "alveolitis sicca" (also called "dry alveolus"), which is more common especially after removal of the wisdom teeth of the lower jaw strong postoperative pain as well as partially expressed by bad breath. Alveolitis sicca is caused by bacterial decay or the loss (for example, due to heavy flushing) of the coagulum (blood clot), leaving the bone unprotected and causing severe pain. Since the pain does not pass without dental treatment, it is indispensable in this case, to visit the dentist again, so that the wound can be treated again. The same applies if the bleeding as a result of the operation does not diminish even after a few days and / or if other symptoms such as fever, chills or heavy dysphagia occur.
Jaw pain and earache
Since the temporomandibular joint, the external auditory canal and the middle ear are close together, it can also happen that problems from the jaw area spread over the ears, resulting in earache. Examples can be deformities of the teeth, signs of wear or inflammation, but it is particularly common for pain to radiate as a result of eruptive or obliquely growing wisdom teeth, tooth decay or root inflammation into the ear area. Tense chewing muscles can also cause jaw pain that becomes so severe that it radiates to the ear. Irrespective of the cause, discomfort in the jaw, which also affects the ears, should always be examined by a dentist, as they can often be relieved quite quickly and easily, for example by means of a custom-made bite splint.
Cracking jaw pain
If, in addition to the pain in the jaw, an unmistakable cracking occurs, for example during morning yawning or increased teeth grinding (bruxism), this may also point to so-called "craniomandibular dysfunction" (CMD). The term CMD (craniomax for cranium, mandibula for mandible and dysfunction for disorder), literally translating as craniomandibular disorder, encompasses a number of clinical symptoms of the masticatory muscles and / or temporomandibular joint, and its associated features Muscles and bones (upper and lower jaw or skull). A CMD, often referred to as a "disturbed bite", can be associated with a variety of symptoms, which occur in addition to toothache pain in the jaw muscles and in the area of the temporomandibular joints, which are usually stronger by chewing or other lower jaw movements. However, the disorder can also affect the whole body and, for example, the cause of earache, tinnitus or tinnitus, dizziness, blurred vision, head and facial pain, problems with mouth opening or mouth burning and tension in the neck and back. In many cases, a pronounced mass of masticatory muscles (hypertrophy) and, in some cases, massive signs of wear and tear on the hard tooth substance appear as the jaws and teeth crunch together. Another characteristic feature is that CMD patients report, especially in acute conditions, that the teeth no longer fit together properly or "disturbs" a particular tooth. CMD affects about 5-10% of the adult population, with those affected often unaware that their symptoms are due to a "false bite". Since the dysfunction can cause a number of specific and many nonspecific symptoms, there is often no clear relationship between the masticatory apparatus and complaints such as severe headache - which are often misdiagnosed over the years and incorrectly treated.
Craniomandibular dysfunction can have various causes, often bite changes are the cause, caused for example by missing teeth or incorrectly fitting dentures. However, CMD is also often associated with negative stress and mental stress, resulting in increased clenching of the jaw or gnashing of teeth. Other possible causes include trauma of the cervical spine (cervical spine syndrome) or the temporomandibular joints, for example as a result of an accident or fall, incorrect posture of the upper body, operations in the head and neck area or metabolic disorders. In addition, even "bad habits" such as chewing gum or finger nails can lead to a CMD, as it permanently overburdens the masticatory muscles and promotes an unnatural position of the lower jaw.
Therapy for jaw pain
Treatment for a cold
If a cold is present, it usually heals on its own within about 14 days, usually after three to four days a clear improvement of the symptoms appears. The administration of antibiotics usually makes no sense in a "simple" cold, as it is usually a viral infection. However, if there is a bacterial secondary infection ("superinfection"), must be treated quickly with antibiotics, otherwise complications quickly occur and the disease in certain high-risk groups (eg infants and toddlers, people with weakened immune system) in particularly severe cases can be fatal , If a common cold is present, however, various home remedies for sore throat or runny nose are available. In addition, proven home remedies for cough, such as inhalations with sage or thyme help relieve the discomfort - cough suppressants should, however, if anything, only very carefully used, as they block the coughing of the pathogen-containing mucus. Also fever is usually not a health problem in the context of a cold, because it belongs to the natural and meaningful defense processes of the body. It is different, however, when it is very high, parallel to respiratory distress, severe pain, dehydration, cramps or circulatory weakness or fainting occur, the sufferer generally suffers from a chronic illness or was in the run-up to the complaints abroad. In these cases, a doctor should definitely be consulted in order to get to the root of the symptoms.
Therapy for craniomandibular dysfunction
In the case of CMD, interdisciplinary treatment is usually useful and important in which the mouth disorders are corrected in the mouth, but in other areas (such as body posture and statics), but by appropriate specialists (such as orthopedists, ENT specialists, neurologists etc.). In the case of both acute and permanent CMD, a so-called "bite splint" (medical: occlusion splint) made of plastic has proved its worth. This reduces on the one hand the teeth grinding or clenching of the masticatory muscles and thereby protects the teeth permanently against further wear. On the other hand, the splint can help relieve tensions in the masticatory muscles and thereby relieve pain. In addition, for example, a "cracking jaw" can be effectively reduced and the position of the temporomandibular joints corrected and stabilized. The splint is made individually after an exact denture impression - which is necessary, since even a small irregularity in the bite can result in a CMD and the symptoms can be exacerbated by an unsuitable splint. Depending on how pronounced the disorder is, the splint is worn either only at night, but sometimes around the clock, so that the "wrong bite" can change permanently, it must also be regularly checked and adjusted if necessary. In case of acute pain, medications can also be used for relief - although these can not eliminate the actual causes of CMD and, accordingly, should only be taken after careful consultation with the attending physician (s).
Also physiotherapeutic measures often provide a very good help, by not only successfully treating disorders of the masticatory muscles and / or the temporomandibular joint, but also, for example, exercises for improved mouth opening can be learned. In addition, physical measures (heat, cold applications, red light, etc.), acupuncture, osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are often used.
Naturopathy in case of jaw pain
If the jaw pain associated with a cold on, is not always equal to the need for medication, but have proven especially in lighter forms, for example, various home remedies for cold in order to relieve the symptoms in a natural way. Among other things, inhalations are particularly well suited, as they relieve coughing and relieve a stuffy nose. In addition, the irritated mucous membranes are moistened by the nose and sinuses. It can be inhaled either with a special device with mouth and nose attachment or in a "classical" way by means of a steam bath. In this case, the face is held over a bowl of boiling hot water, with a towel placed over the head so that the steam can not escape. The vapor is then inhaled deeply and quietly through the nose several times with the eyes closed (about 5 to 10 minutes) and repeated two to three times daily for several minutes. Various herbal remedies have been proven for inhalation, which are added to the bowl prior to infusion, especially chamomile, which counteract inflammation, fight bacteria and relieve colds. But essential oils from eucalyptus, mountain pine or spruce needles can be very beneficial during inhalation, as they release stuck mucus from the upper respiratory tract and thus can be used in acute sinusitis.
Especially in the area of the jaw pain is often triggered by mental stress, which discharges in the form of crunching, pressing or rubbing on the teeth and can lead to sometimes massive problems and complaints. Accordingly, it is important to consider, in addition to the use of a "bite splint" and various physiotherapeutic and physical measures, also methods that can help alleviate stress and tension. Alternative medicine offers a variety of exercises to reduce stress, which can help to "take the tensions of everyday life with you to sleep". Particularly suitable here is the progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen, but also
Autogenic training, tai chi or yoga lead to a long-term improvement or relief for many people affected. At the same time, in some cases psychotherapy can also be very useful for dealing with deeper conflicts and problems as well as developing strategies for a "healthier" way of dealing with stress.
In addition, even small changes in everyday life can help to solve the inner restlessness and tensions of the day and thus promote nocturnal relaxation. This includes, for example, mobile phones, computers and TVs to banish from the bedroom and to avoid drafts, because "disturbances" of this kind mean negative stress for the body, which in turn can lead to unconscious tension. In order to relieve mental tension, aromatherapy also offers a variety of essential oils. Here, for example, for sufferers who feel mentally exhausted and exhausted, the scent of lavender, lemon balm or valerian in the form of a fragrance sachet on the pillow can have a positive influence on sleep, thereby providing more recovery.
In other cases, it helps to drink a hot milk with honey as a "sleep aid", because milk contains the amino acid tryptophan in a relatively high concentration. This is needed to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which on the one hand ensures general well-being on the other hand and acts as a "natural sleep aid". In addition to the psychological effect of a hot honey-milk is not to be underestimated, especially for children, the "sucking" on the bottle alone so calming that falling asleep is no longer a problem.
Moreover, in younger children suffering from bruxism, homeopathic treatments have proven useful in many cases. Belladonna (C9), which is used with 3 globules at bedtime, comes into consideration here. Also, Chamomilla (C9) is often used in the form of three 9-globule doses daily, as is Cina, a proven remedy for children, which is suitable for the treatment of teeth grinding. Although homeopathy often proves effective and beneficial in childhood bruxism, it does not always solve the problem in all cases. Accordingly, parents should always consult a dentist for persistent jaw pain and / or headache, temples, etc., to avoid serious complications due to excessive clenching and rubbing over an extended period of time. Under certain circumstances, it may also make sense to seek support from a child and adolescent psychotherapist or counseling center to help the child in case of potential problems or conflicts and to better resolve the causes of nocturnal gnashing of teeth. (No)
Picture 1: Bernd Kasper