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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Jaw pain

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    Oral Health Pain
    Constant low-level pain on one side of my jaw. Good days and bad days where pain spreads up into my cheek and down into lower jaw on one side and becomes more intense. Difficilty eating, I have to cut food up into small pieces. Has progressed to this over around 4 months.
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    Dr James Gillard

    Osteopath

    James is passionate about osteopathy, it’s philosophy and works with facilitating the bodies innate drive for health and balance. He enjoys teaching patients about how … View Profile

    Hi there,

    There are many different causes of jaw pain The first point of call is get your jaw assessed and diagnosed correctly. Here you have a couple of options, initially I would look at a manual therapist to check joint and muscle function and explore non-invasive management. If they suspect there is another issue at play a GP referral to a specialist is probably the the most approriate cause of action.

    Some jaw complaints can resolve with osteopathic treatment, others may require more invasive intervention.

    If you haven't seen an osteopath before here is a link that may give you some more informtation 

    https://mindmattermotion.blog/what-is-osteopathy/

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    Dr Julien Bundun

    Dentist

    Julien has done further training at New York University, School of Dentistry in Aesthetic Dentistry. This has made Julien a highly respected clinician by the … View Profile

    Hi

    sounds like you're not enjoying eating at all these days. from what you've described, I'm assuming that the pain originates from the teeth on the upper side, then radiates occasionally? or is it from the muscles or the bone structure?

    if teeth: a few things come to mind, such as

    1. cracked tooth syndrome (many patients could not initially pinpoint to a one problematic tooth, all teeth on that side become painful, and can also radiate to the opposite dental arch on the same side) 

    2. Sinusitis is known to cause the back teeth of the upper jaw to become painful, tender to biting, as well as being sensitive to temperatures

    if muscular:

    An imbalance in your bite (left side compared to right side for e.g.) may aggavate the chewing muscles and cause them to spasm, and start "guarding" i.e. prevent full opening and/or full clench

    The joint on that side could also be damaged and cause guarding. 

    All these defferntials require a direct examination

    Being chronic, it may or may not take a multidisciplinary investigation to sort it out

    Dr Julien Bundun

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    Helen Potter

    Physiotherapist

    As a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, with extensive experience and highly advanced qualifications, as well as excellent communication skills, I can help you to: Become informed … View Profile

    Yes, I agree. Pain could be coming from a variety of structures and conditions. TMJ dysfunction is likely to respond best to a multidisciplinaryy approach from your dentist, an experienced TMJ physiotherapist, and possibly your GP for medication for sleep quality if grinding is a factor. Helen Potter FACP Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist MAPA

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