Pain in upper jaw

[QAGS]

anyone get pain in upper jaw, right into ear lobe area? Is it a joint thing? feels like earache as it stabs. I had it once before and remember how painful t was. It went away thankfully...does heat help I wonder?

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi Qags

Yes indeed I do it's zinging away as I type this but I am in a severe flare !

RA can and does affect the jaw, especially if you already have TMJ issues, I was a jaw Clencher apparently..I wasn't aware of it until I went to a ENT Consultant.

When it first happened, I though it was tooth pain but no, then a ear infection but nothing there either so it was established it was coming from the jaw area.

In my case it triggered Tinnitus also with the inflammation from jaw causing it, it's all connected so hard to pinpoint where it's actually coming from. I always know now when I have a flare up in my jaw/neck as my Tinnitus gets louder!

If it keeps happening, obviously important to get it checked out by the professionals as it may be your teeth, ear or jaw.

Heat can help ..it's a case of trying what works for you but like I said always best to get it checked if it keeps happening, there are lots of posts of here about here too if you d on a search also.🙂

Best Wishes

[rabbits65]

Yes as 3 little birds has just mentioned the TMJ joint , I have had that pain too . It’s awful . The dentist can supply you with a teeth guard to wear at night to relax the jaw and stop you tensing up or clenching your mouth . Mine got better. 😊

[Madmusiclover]

Sounds like TMJ. I’ve had it for ages. Mouth guard is first port of call, but (private) Botox injections have helped me too. Currently waiting on results of an MRI by maxillofacial. It was oddly the symptom that got me referred to rheumatology in the first place!

[Blodynhaul]

Hi QAGS, my RA is very active this year with meds not working and I've had jaw issues kicking in too. I don't usually have chronic jaw issues, but it's definitely in the joint right by the ear. My left jaw more than the right. Often very stiff, especially first part of the day when can't open it enough to eat a banana, but improves. Sometimes there is that shooting pain too and deep aching. Really hope you can sort it out, good luck.

[Prettystuffed]

Hi Yes I have jaw pain quite frequently. All I can say its good for weight loss !!! seriously very painful. I am on inflixamab which now only works for 2 wks. xx

[Hidden]

Hi QAGS,

Unfortunately, as some of our community members have found out first hand, because RA attacks the connective tissues in the body particularly at the smaller joints, the jaw can be a body part which can be affected.

Please speak to your rheumatologist who will be able to advise you on your next steps, and as others have mentioned your dentist will also be able to help with oral health related issues such as this.

For more information please visit our websites section on Oral Health and RA: nras.org.uk/resource/oral-h...

I hope this helps and you get some relief from this symptom soon.

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS