Differential Diagnosis for "Hurts to Chew"
- 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 when chewing, clicking of the jaw, and limited jaw movement.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dental Problems (e.g., cavities, abscesses, impacted teeth): Pain when chewing can be a symptom of various dental issues, especially if the pain is localized to a specific tooth or area.
- Gingivitis or Periodontitis: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the tissues supporting the teeth (periodontitis) can cause pain when chewing due to the infection and inflammation.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the face and jaw, especially when chewing, due to the proximity of the sinuses to the jaw and facial structures.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It can cause intense, shock-like pain when chewing or even lightly touching the face.
- Oral Cancer: Although less common, oral cancer can cause pain when chewing, especially if the tumor is located in an area that interferes with jaw movement or is irritated by food.
- Angina or Myocardial Infarction: In rare cases, pain referred to the jaw when chewing can be a symptom of heart disease, such as angina or a heart attack, particularly in women.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Eagle Syndrome: A rare condition where an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament causes pain in the jaw and face, especially when swallowing or chewing.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry mouth and dental problems, leading to pain when chewing due to the lack of saliva to lubricate food and protect the teeth and gums.
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A rare condition where the jawbone dies due to lack of blood supply, often associated with bisphosphonate use or radiation therapy, leading to pain and difficulty chewing.