Differential Diagnosis for Left Jaw Pain and Left Mouth Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: This is a common condition that affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull, leading to pain in the jaw, face, and surrounding areas. The pain can be exacerbated by activities such as chewing, talking, or yawning.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Toothache or Dental Abscess: Pain in the mouth can often be attributed to dental issues such as cavities, abscesses, or infected teeth. The pain can radiate to the jaw, making it a likely cause for left jaw and mouth pain.
- Gingivitis or Periodontitis: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the tissues supporting the teeth (periodontitis) can cause pain in the mouth and jaw.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the face, including the jaw and mouth areas.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain, can cause severe, shock-like pain in the face, including the jaw and mouth.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (MI): Although less common, cardiac issues like MI can sometimes present with jaw pain, especially in women. It's crucial to consider cardiac causes, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Angina: Similar to MI, angina (reduced blood flow to the heart) can cause jaw pain and is a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Ludwig's Angina: A severe infection of the tissues in the neck, which can cause pain in the jaw and mouth, and can lead to airway obstruction if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bone pain, including in the jaw.
- Paget's Disease of Bone: A condition that affects bone remodeling, leading to bone pain and deformities, which can include the jaw.
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A rare condition where the jawbone dies due to lack of blood supply, often associated with long-term use of bisphosphonates.
- Neoplasms (Tumors): Both benign and malignant tumors can cause pain in the jaw and mouth, though they are less common causes of these symptoms.