Jaw Pain: When to See a Doctor for Ear and Jaw Discomfort

Please ask your question?

Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about something.
After waking up today, I noticed that after having breakfast, there is a slight pain when I press on the area below my right ear where it connects to my jaw.
I also feel a bit of discomfort when yawning or opening my mouth wide.
After researching online, I am concerned that it might be related to some kind of parotitis or a lump, but when I palpate the area, I don't feel any unusual hard masses.
It just feels slightly painful in the area where the bone is pressed, but it doesn't seem like a dislocation.
My family suggested it might be due to biting something hard or a muscle strain, especially since I stayed up late last night and yawned a lot before sleeping.
I would like to know if I should go to a major hospital for an examination in this situation, as I am worried it might be a serious condition, or if it would be sufficient to visit a dental or ENT clinic.
Thank you! This is the area where I feel slight pain when yawning or pressing: https://ibb.co/zF5bG4X.

U, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/01

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, the area you mentioned is where the fascia and nerves are located without the protection of bones, so it is normal to feel some pain when pressure is applied.
This is a normal phenomenon.
Just keep in mind a few points: 1.
Have you had any fever recently? 2.
Have you experienced any cold symptoms lately? 3.
Have you felt any lumps? If none of the above are present, there should be no need for excessive concern.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2022/04/01

More Info

When experiencing discomfort in the jaw and ear area, especially after waking up, it is essential to consider several potential causes. Your symptoms, which include pain when pressing on the area beneath your ear and discomfort while yawning or opening your mouth wide, could be indicative of a few conditions.
One common cause of such discomfort is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, and issues with this joint can lead to pain in the jaw, ear, and even the neck. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can include clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, pain during chewing, and tenderness in the jaw muscles. Stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or even poor posture can exacerbate TMJ issues, especially if you have been sleeping in an awkward position or clenching your jaw during sleep.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing muscle strain or soreness due to overuse, particularly if you have been yawning frequently or chewing on something hard. This can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort in the jaw area.
While your family suggests that it could be a minor issue, such as biting down on something hard or muscle strain, it is wise to remain vigilant. The absence of visible lumps or bumps is a good sign, but it does not entirely rule out other conditions, such as infections or inflammation of the salivary glands (like mumps or sialadenitis), which can also cause pain in the area you described.

Given your concerns about potential serious conditions, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. You can start by visiting a dentist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Dentists are well-equipped to handle TMJ-related issues and can provide treatments such as mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding. An ENT specialist can evaluate any ear-related symptoms and check for infections or other issues.

If the pain persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as swelling, fever, or significant changes in your ability to open your mouth, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation at a larger medical facility. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, may be necessary to assess the TMJ and surrounding structures more thoroughly.

In summary, while your symptoms may not immediately suggest a severe condition, it is essential to monitor them closely. Starting with a visit to a dentist or ENT specialist can help clarify the cause of your discomfort and guide you toward appropriate treatment. Remember, early intervention can often prevent more significant issues down the line.

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