Jaw Pain in Pregnancy |

Jaw discomfort in Pregnancy is one big occurrence out of other severe hormone changes, including increased hunger, morning sickness, and itchy feet.

Although the hormone changes vary depending on many aspects, including the bodily system and gene influence.

But no question that being pregnant is a major undertaking, thumbs up to all pregnant ladies.

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Jaw Pain in Pregnancy

It’s vital to remember that the action of hormones on the temporomandibular joint causes a sharp sensation in the jaw area, which leads to jaw discomfort.

Tips to Manage Jaw Pain During Pregnancy

The following steps at home could help you manage jaw discomfort during Pregnancy;

Soft diet: Eating soft, easy-to-chew meals could help lessen jaw discomfort.
Ice application: External application of ice to the jaw could assist minimize regional edema and muscular spasm.
Restricted mouth opening: Another tip that helps to manage jaw pain during Pregnancy is trying not to yawn, laugh, or shout too loudly.
Avoid some food products that are presented whole. Chop food into tiny pieces so you do not have to open your mouth wide.
Alteration in sleeping position: Try to avoid sleeping just on one side.
Use a soft cushion.
Posture changes: Avoid slouching in front of a laptop or a TV since it might strain your neck muscles and contribute to jaw discomfort. Always sit with your back well-supported.

Is Jaw Discomfort a Symptom of Labor?

Jaw discomfort is not a common symptom of labor. It may be connected with pneumomediastinum (presence of air between the two lungs), an uncommon disease that might emerge owing to labor discomfort.

Hormonal changes may alter the temporomandibular joints and cause jaw discomfort during Pregnancy.

Calcium deficiency, teeth grinding, tooth or gum infection, ENT infections, or other reasons may potentially lead to jaw discomfort.

Altering sleep positions, eating soft meals, or using an ice pack may help lower discomfort intensity.

Avoid using non-prescription drugs and contact a dentist if jaw discomfort continues despite appropriate dental hygiene practices and no evident evidence of infection or damage.

Depending on the underlying issue, the treatment may involve physical therapy, medicines, massage, or other treatments to alleviate muscular jaw tension.

Reasons Why Jaw Pain in Pregnancy May Arise

The following are the common explanations for jaw discomfort in Pregnancy.

1. Morning Sickness

Vomiting may impose undue strain on the shoulder and neck muscles. The jaw must be firmly forced forward to release the stomach’s contents.

Frequent vomiting may strain or even sprain the jaw muscles. It may lead to jaw discomfort

2. Abscessed Tooth

An infection that produces pus accumulation at the base of the root of the tooth is known as an abscess. It causes tooth discomfort and could cause radiating pain in the whole jaw, intraoral or extraoral edema, fever, tooth movement, etc.

3. Injury

Injury on the muscles of the jaw, neck, or head from an accident, such as a hit or a fall, could also produce discomfort in the jaw.

4. ENT Infection

An ear, nose, or throat infection could produce discomfort that extends to the jaws.

5. Lack of Calcium

The infant in the womb requires calcium to grow its bones. If there is insufficient calcium in the mother’s blood, the body pulls it from the bones to feed the fetus. Calcium is required the greatest in the second and third trimesters of Pregnancy.

This could induce bone weakening and jaw discomfort in expectant moms.

Read Also: Wisdom Tooth Pain During Pregnancy

6. Cardiovascular Condition

Some persons with heart problems suffer discomfort in their jaws and TMJ. It is general for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients.

7. Hormonal Alterations

Estrogen and calming hormones surge in Pregnancy. These hormones enhance the flexibility of all the joints in the body to aid with birthing.

However, it could lead to joint strain and discomfort, notably in the temporomandibular joints

8. Sleeping on One Side

Pregnant women find it pleasant to sleep on one side throughout the night. Sleeping on one side could generate strain on the muscles of the jaw and produce jaw discomfort.

9. Wisdom Teeth

When the wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they could press on other teeth and cause them to shift. This might cause stiffness and pain in the jaw.

The discomfort from wisdom teeth extends throughout the whole jaw.

10. Grinding of the Teeth

The involuntary grinding of teeth is known as bruxism, commonly connected with worry or stress. Women prone to bruxism might have increased teeth grinding due to stress during Pregnancy.

Chronic bruxism is one of the reasons for jaw discomfort and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

The Bottom Line

Jaw discomfort during Pregnancy many times can’t be prevented, but it may be treated effectively. Pregnancy comes with numerous hormone changes; jaw discomfort doesn’t lead to a dead end.

I hope this information was helpful.