Painful Jaw And Ear Ache.

[ferlew]

I have managed to get a GP appointment, but not until 19th January.
I've had a painful jaw on one side, with accompanying ear ache, for a couple of weeks now. I'm having real trouble opening my mouth, I can't even get two fingers between my teeth. Also daily headaches, I seem to recall a few weeks ago that my jaw made a REALLY loud crack when I went to eat something. Gradually losing weight too because I just dread trying to eat. 16 lbs to date, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[barry1010]

That sounds nasty. Call 111

[rowanwitch]

Try 111 they might arrange an earlier appointment, sounds like a partial dislocation called a subluxation I think. You probably should have gone to a walk in clinic before. now

[MissTerious2]

Try massaging the jaw at joint. As rowan says it does sound like a subluxation. Try an emergency dental appointment tomorrow.dentists are your best bet imo.

[Buenchico]

Possibly relevant:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder-tmd/

It might be worth speaking to a pharmacist (while you're waiting to see your GP). He/she might be able to give you something to ease the symptoms a bit.

Get well soon!

[rowanwitch]

You could at least get an X-ray at a dentist and a hospital referral

[Buenchico]

^^^ A possible problem with seeking help from a dentist might be that some NHS dentists now have waiting times for appointments that exceed a year.

[MissTerious2]

A good link from Chris. I know so well what it's like. And, yes it will cause earache.

[MissTerious2]

But there are emergency dentists still Chris. A lot of doctors would tell you to see a dentist.

[MissTerious2]

I have to hold my jaw together when I have dental treatment to make sure it doesn't sublux and I can't open my mouth wide, which makes dental work really difficult!

[MissTerious2]

Anyway, I hope you get sorted ASAP.

[ferlew]

Reading through the link, I think it may be stress related as I currently have some family issues that are worrying me, and I have caught myself clenching. I'll try the ice packs/heat packs over the area, and try and eat softer foods for the time being.
A dental appointment is pretty much out of the question around here. I've known folks waiting absolute AGES.
I'll also try 111, thanks.

[Sqad]

You haven't mentioned a swelling in your face, so I will assume that you haven't one and will precede with that assumption.

With that past history of "cracking" in the jaw one must assume either muscular trauma in the muscles around the TM joint or less likely dislocation.

Fro what you have posted, I would suggest that you take Ibuprofen 400 mgms every 4-6 hours if necessary and monitor the situation for the next 48 hours. It doesn't seem a big deal and if it doesn't settle then go to A&E.

There is nothing to suggest a dental problem and I am sure that it will settle with the conservative treatment that I have outlined.

[MissTerious2]

Unfortunately Sqad dentists now deal with problems because doctors don't. I had to get my xray and hospital referral from a dentist.

[MissTerious2]

I meant to say 'some' doctors

[Sqad]

Lofty...a patient with trismus and earache would not be turned away from A&E and would be seen by the Facio-Maxillary junior on call.

I expect the problem will settle and no referral will be necessary.

[ferlew]

No swelling, thankfully.

[MissTerious2]

I'm talking GPS Sqad.

[237SJ]

I had something like that many years ago. It was a slipped disc in the jaw and the GP sent me to see a dentist at the local hospital. I would bypass the NHS altogether and just get a private appointment if I could.

[Sqad]

Lofty........there is no NHS......unless one is an emergency.
You can't get a GP, you can't get a dentist, your only choice is to present at A&E.

We have no NHS it is broken.