I've been experiencing some discomfort whenever I open my mouth wide, like when I'm eating or brushing my teeth. It's a pain on the left side of my jaw near the ear. I haven't hurt myself or anything like that. Could you tell me what might be causing this?

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 3+ Yrs

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You may be experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. To help alleviate the pain and discomfort, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additionally, applying a warm compress to the area and practicing jaw exercises to improve jaw mobility may also be beneficial. In some cases, a muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine may be prescribed by a healthcare provider. If the pain persists or worsens, it is advisable to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon for further evaluation and management.

Answered 17 days ago