Your jaw might hurt from oral sex primarily because it can aggravate or trigger temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues due to prolonged or repetitive jaw movements.
Here's a breakdown of potential reasons:
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TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders: Oral sex involves repetitive jaw movements, which can strain the TMJ, the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. This strain can lead to pain, clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw if you already have a TMJ disorder or predisposition to one. Kissing can also trigger TMJ symptoms.
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Muscle Fatigue: The muscles involved in jaw movement (e.g., masseter, temporalis) can become fatigued from extended or vigorous activity, leading to soreness and pain.
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Overextension: Opening your mouth too wide or sustaining an open-jaw position for an extended period during oral sex can strain the ligaments and muscles surrounding the jaw joint.
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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): If you grind or clench your teeth, especially during periods of stress or excitement, oral sex could exacerbate jaw pain.
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Underlying Dental Issues: In some cases, existing dental problems like tooth infections or misaligned bites might contribute to jaw pain that is aggravated by oral sex.
What You Can Do:
- Rest: Give your jaw a break from strenuous activity.
- Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to your jaw muscles to help relax them.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Massage: Gently massage the muscles around your jaw.
- See a Doctor or Dentist: If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like headaches or earaches, consult a doctor or dentist to rule out any underlying conditions. A dentist can also assess for TMJ issues.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience is different, and the specific cause of your jaw pain could be a combination of factors.
