Jaw pain!

[Badrabbit]

I have bad pain in my jaw area, this side has been subject to jaw cracking after eating anything hard, before I venture to the hospital thought I would ask on here, can this be treated with anti biotics, it's not causing me difficulty it's just painful when moving my mouth side to side!

[Sheryl]

Antibiotics will be of no use unless this is due to an infection, which is unlikely.

It may be a temperomandibular joint problem. See http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/basics/definition/con-20043566

If it is, initial management is anti-inflammatories (NASAIDs - provided you have no contraindications; should not take if you have gastritis, ulcers, bleeding disorder or are on anticoagulants), rest (avoid motions that are painful) and applications of ice. Consult a jaw specialist if it persists.

Often this is related to grinding one's teeth in ones sleep in which case a night guard can help.

There is a good jaw specialist at the Bangkok Dental Hospital - I forget her name but reception will know who you mean. http://www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com/services.php

[Badrabbit]

Thanks Sheryl, your link describes what I have, it's slowly getting better!

I'm using Paracap at the moment is there something better you would recommend?

Edited May 31, 2016 by Badrabbit

[Sheryl]

Paracap is just paracetemol - a pain killer but no ant-iinflammatory properties

IF you do not have any of the contraindications mentioned I suggest you take an NSAID: diclofenac, ibuprofen etc. Be sure to take with food as these meds can irritate the stomach.

Next time you see a dentist ask them if it looks like you grind your teeth at night as this is often a cause and can be managed with a night guard. Could also ask anyone who sleeps with you if they hear you doing it. If you are grinding, in addition to irritating the jaw it will eventually damage the teeth so worth finding out.

[Badrabbit]

Thanks Sheryl.

[mikebell]

Many politicians suffer from this. Their constituents suffer from ear-ache.