Differential Diagnosis for Jaw Pain when Chewing
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: This is the most common cause of jaw pain when chewing, often related to issues like teeth grinding, misalignment of the jaw, or trauma to the jaw. Symptoms can include pain or tenderness in the jaw, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and difficulty chewing.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dental Problems: Issues such as cavities, abscesses, or gum disease can cause pain when chewing due to the pressure and movement involved in the chewing process.
- Bruxism: Teeth grinding, either during the day or at night, can lead to jaw pain and discomfort, especially when chewing.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the jaw, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the face.
- Ear Infections: Middle ear infections can sometimes cause referred pain to the jaw due to the close proximity of the ear to the temporomandibular joint.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Heart Attack: Though rare, cardiac issues like a heart attack can sometimes present with jaw pain, especially if the pain radiates from the chest to the jaw. This is a medical emergency.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which can cause intense pain in the face, including the jaw, often triggered by chewing or touching the face.
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A condition where the jawbone dies due to lack of blood supply, often associated with long-term use of bisphosphonates or other medications. It can cause severe jaw pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Giant Cell Arteritis: An inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause jaw claudication (pain in the jaw when chewing) among other symptoms.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry mouth and lead to dental problems, potentially resulting in jaw pain when chewing.
- Eagle Syndrome: A condition where an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament causes pain in the jaw and face, which can be exacerbated by chewing.