Understanding Jaw Pain as a Symptom of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a wide range of symptoms being reported, some more common than others. One symptom that some patients have experienced is pain in the jaw area.
What Causes Jaw Pain with COVID-19?
There are a few potential causes of jaw pain in those with COVID-19:
- Inflammation - COVID-19 often causes inflammation throughout the body, which can affect joints and musculoskeletal tissues like those in the jaw area
- Stress/Clenching - The stress, anxiety, and sleep issues caused by COVID-19 could lead some to clench or grind their teeth at night, resulting in soreness
- Sinus Congestion - Swelling in the sinus cavities due to COVID-19 congestion may radiate pain towards the jaws
- Nerve Pain - Some theories suggest COVID-related nerve inflammation could manifest as jaw pain
How Common is Jaw Pain with COVID-19?
Currently, there is limited data on what percentage of COVID-19 patients specifically experience jaw pain. However, joint and body aches overall are considered very common, reported in over half of those with COVID-19 at some point during their illness. With the jaw and facial area home to many complex muscles, joints, nerves, and tissues, it is reasonable to conclude that a subset of patients likely do endure jaw discomfort even if exact statistics are unavailable.
Characteristics of Jaw Pain from COVID-19
Jaw pain manifesting as a result of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. However, there are some general characteristics to be aware of:
Gradual Onset
Unlike the sudden onset of pain from an acute jaw injury, COVID-related jaw pain is more likely to slowly develop over hours or days as systemic inflammation increases. The gradual nature mirrors other COVID symptoms like fever, fatigue, and body aches.
Aching, Tender Pain
Most often, those with COVID-related jaw pain describe it as aching or tender rather than sharp. This reflects the underlying inflammation driving the discomfort instead of any acute injury within the jaw tissue itself.
Exacerbated by Chewing
Jaw pain from COVID-19 may intensify when chewing or opening the mouth wide. The increased motion and pressure placed on the inflamed joint and muscular structures during these actions can heighten the already existing discomfort.
Comes and Goes
In some cases, jaw pain due to COVID may only occur sporadically throughout one's illness rather than persisting continuously the entire time. Factors like medication, diet changes, inflammation fluctuations, and stress levels can lead to the intensity ebbing and flowing day to day.
Treatments for Jaw Pain Related to COVID
While no treatment can cure COVID-19 itself, supportive self-care and medical therapies can help ease unpleasant symptoms like jaw pain while your body fights the virus. Some options include:
Over-the-Counter Medications
For mild to moderate jaw discomfort from COVID-19, using OTC analgesics like acetaminophen or an NSAID gel/ointment rubbed along the face and jawline may help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Soft Diet
Eating soft, easy to chew foods can take strain off an irritated jaw joint while minimizing chewing pain. Soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt and cooked cereals are nutritious options.
Warm Compresses
Applying a warm washcloth to sore jaw muscles can aid healing circulation in the area while alleviating COVID-related pain and tension buildup.
Stress Relief Techniques
Managing mental health through breathing exercises, prayer, meditation, journaling, or other de-stressing activities can help disengage painful jaw clenching and grinding habits.
Healthcare Provider Consultation
For more chronic, severe, or persistent jaw pain, checking in with a dentist, doctor or physical therapist may be warranted to assess for any complications or secondary conditions as well as to help control inflammation and discomfort in a medical capacity if needed.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While jaw pain from COVID-19 often gradually resolves along with the infection itself requiring only supportive self-care, there are some warning signs that warrant prompt medical attention:
- Sudden or severe jaw swelling
- Facial drooping
- Trouble opening the mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Severe headaches near the jaw
- Excruciating, unrelenting jaw pain
Rather than indicating solely an orthodontic problem, these red flags can reflect issues like cellulitis, abscess, sinus infection or even clotting problems - all of which require rapid evaluation.
Don't Delay Care
Though challenging when ill, see your dentist or doctor right away if your jaw discomfort seems far worse than typical COVID aches, just to be safe. Though likely nothing serious, healthcare providers can examine your mouth and face while assessing for other diagnoses needing prompt care for recovery.
Catching any underlying problems early on gives treatment the best chance of success and prevents avoidable complications down the line.
Prevention of Jaw Pain from COVID-19
Ultimately, avoidance of developing COVID-19 infection remains the best means of sidestepping any related jaw pain in the process. Preventive habits include:
- COVID-19 vaccination + boosters
- Face masks in public areas
- Social distancing
- Handwashing
- Cough etiquette
- Surface cleaning
- COVID-19 testing if exposed
Combining multiple layers of preventive methods helps curb community viral spread, protecting yourself and others around you. This reduces overall individual risk of developing COVID-19 infection to begin with - meaning no risk of jaw pain from what you did not catch!
Coping with Jaw Pain from COVID
If jaw pain does end up emerging despite your best prevention efforts, take comfort in the fact that the vast majority of those afflicted experience gradual resolution of discomfort over days to weeks at most.
Have Patience
Set small daily goals versus expecting immediate wellness. Honor accomplishments like making it out of bed, enjoying a meal, or having a phone call rather than mourning activities still out of reach. Build endurance over time.
Try Distraction
Engage in pleasurable activities that immerse your attention like books, puzzles, your favorite streaming shows or chatting with family. This trains focus away from the discomfort.
Address Anxiety, Depression
Tackle tough emotional responses honestly through counseling, prayer, journaling or support groups rather than bottling up inner turmoil. This lightens mental load - a root of clenched, painful jaws for some.
Foster Hope
When optimism wavers, remember science says the vast majority do shake jaw discomfort and fully recover after COVID-19. Hold onto hope this statistical likelihood remains true for your situation as well.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment