The left side of my jaw is in pain. the left side of my jaw hurts kind of where the joint is. it came on out of no where. i do clench my jaw at night, but i have a mouthgaurd that i wear every night. i have been using a mouth gaurd for almost a year now.

This : This sounds like either an internal problem with the jaw joint or, less likely, pain in the associated muscles. You need to see the dentist who made the splint for an evaluation. If not possible, seek care from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In the mean time, if not contraindicated due to allergy of stomach problems, take Motrin or advil (ibuprofen) and apply moist heat to the area. Also limit your diet to soft foods.

Probable TMJ: It sounds like you may have a problem with your jaw joint and the muscles that move your jaw. Your best bet would be to check with your dentist if your dentist treats these problems, or ask for a referral if not. If you have an appliance you will probably have to consider more extensive treatments than just at night.

TMJ expert: You have had treatment for TMJ and no relief. See a TMJ expert.Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.