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

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.

Dr Gallia agreed

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.

Dr Gallia agreed

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.

Dr Gallia and another doctor agreed

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.