OUCH my jaw - has anyone else experienced this?

[BK_Adores_Chase]

The main thing I'm wondering is if it will go away.  2 weeks ago I had a cold and my jaw hurt and I thought it would be my sinuses plugged or something but it still hurts.  I don't know, it might be a cavity but I don't have any insurance and have no money.  I mean I don't cry it's just a nagging pain sometimes when I chew hard it's worse and I was inspecting my teeth and there's a spot on there that could be a cavity but who am I to tell?

[dreamyxo]

If you have any dental schools or community colleges in your area check them out for cheap dental care.  A few years ago I didn't have insurance and I found an ad in craigslist form a hygienist student who needed people to practice on.   It costs me $25 for xrays and a check up.  Unfortunately they don't do fillings but a dental school probably would.   

[sherryinutah]

The main thing I'm wondering is if it will go away.  2 weeks ago I had a cold and my jaw hurt and I thought it would be my sinuses plugged or something but it still hurts.  I don't know, it might be a cavity but I don't have any insurance and have no money.  I mean I don't cry it's just a nagging pain sometimes when I chew hard it's worse and I was inspecting my teeth and there's a spot on there that could be a cavity but who am I to tell?

It might be a cavity.  Besides pain...does your jaw pop when you yawn, chew or open your mouth?  If so...those are symptoms of TMJ which stands for Temporomandibular joint disorder.

Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may be:

    Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
    Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
    Dull, aching pain in the face
    Earache (particularly in the morning)
    Headache (particularly in the morning)
    Hearing loss
    Migraine (particularly in the morning)
    Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
    Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
    Tinnitus
    Neck and shoulder pain
    Dizziness

As a retired massage therapist I've helped people with these issues.  If it is TMJ it's most likely an acute condition which means it will go away if you're willing to help yourself and be patient.  I would suggest an over the counter pain reliever, get your nutrients and HYDRATE well. Water...alone...might improve the situation.  

[Linda67]

I think the worst jaw ache I ever had was a wisdom tooth trying to come in and there was't enough room for it.  The dentist had to cut it out for me.

[Graeth]

Well I had jaw surgery last year.
Had a tumor removed from my upper larynx.
They decided to resize and reset my jaw while they were in there.
So I've got kinds of funkyness since they went massing around in there.

[briannajeanxo]

if it pops or anything when you eat, or even talk, it may be tmj. mine hurts for a few weeks after a cold from tmj. but i also have a cavity..so its hard to tell you which one it is.

[Valerie1979]

if you think it might be a cavity or something with your teeth/gums, you should try to find a dentist that will see you because these things can lead to further infection throughout the body and even death if left untreated.

[noirlupe]

It sounds like what I live with it is TMJ and you need to go to the store and get a mouth guard one that you boil and form to your teeth.  Wear it while you sleep until the pain goes away.  Its is from grinding your teeth in your sleep and inflaming the jaw,

[MessiahMews]

If it's a bio-mechanical problem, I would check out the NCR (Neurocranial Restructuring), as it has gottan good results for TMJ and other bio mechanical dysfunctions.

Google NCR and Dr Dean Howell.

Also look up palate expansion and facial development.

[BLACKMON96]

The best advice I can give is to go see your doctor. I experienced similar pain and my doctor said I had a really bad infection. So please seek help. It's better to be safe than sorry.