A member asked:
My lower jaw (tmj) started to hurt a lot today. is this something i should be worried about? started tuesday night, and into wednesday. i either age some bad food, or had the stomach flu. spent most of wednesday drinking water and broth, eating only a
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. G Funarianswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 47 years experience
Not : Not sure that there is a cause and effect here between the stomach issues and your jaw complaint. I would recommend staying with a soft diet, taking over the counter Ibuprofen for the next 36 hours per the bottle instructions (if you have no contraindications to taking the medication) and placing moist heat on the affected area. If no improvement in about 72 hours seek care from your dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Neil McLeodanswered
Prosthodontics 51 years experience
The : The sudden occurrence of pain in the lower jaw should be a cause for concern, particularly if you have not had a blow, or bitten on something hard, or have damaged teeth and neglected gums or been clenching your teeth, and you should seek the attention of a physician and a dentist. Combined with the symptoms you described saying you think you have stomach flue my immediate concern would be first and foremost to eliminate the possibility of your having had a mild heart attack.
If you press the muscle at the side of your jaw at the angle or corner and it is painful, then it might just be that you have been clenching. Any time you feel a strange pain you are well advised to seek help.
Dr. Neil mcleod dds
dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Killgoreanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 18 years experience
Lower jaw: If you were vomiting you may have strained the muscles, attachments and disks in the area. Time should help and you may want to ask your doctor about taking some anti-inflammatory medications while you are allowing the area to heal up.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 47 years experience
Diagnosis first.: If your only symptoms are currently lower jaw, I'd see your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the cause of the jaw pain. Once your have a diagnosis, treatment can ensue.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.