I created the word jawtim, which is a combination of the words in the phrase “jaw pain victim.”
Many of you are probably familiar with the saying “Alone, but not lonely.” There are definitely times when you can be all by yourself without necessarily longing for companionship or understanding. But imagine experiencing constant, nagging pain in your jaw for months, even years, due to an impacted wisdom tooth. Imagine being unable to eat comfortably, speak without discomfort, or even sleep without being woken up by the throbbing ache. A little different than just needing some “me” time, isn’t it?
If there is one thing all jawtims understand that others simply don’t, it’s how isolating wisdom tooth-related jaw pain can be. Your friends and family, no matter how much they sympathize, can’t fully grasp what it’s like to live with persistent pain in your jaw. This has been especially hard for me to cope with because not everyone gets severe wisdom tooth pain, and many don’t realize how debilitating it can be. Up until I started researching and sharing my experience, it never even crossed my mind that other jawtims were out there who could relate to my struggles.
The biggest challenge for people dealing with wisdom tooth pain is how much it affects daily activities. Simple tasks like eating, yawning, or even just keeping your mouth closed can become agonizing. One of the best ways to explain this to others is through The Spoon Theory, which was originally created by a Lupus patient to describe energy management. The short version of the story is that people dealing with chronic pain, including jawtims, have a limited number of spoons (or energy units) each day. Activities that most people take for granted, like chewing food or talking for long periods, can use up an incredible amount of spoons, leaving us drained and in more pain.
Never thought of jaw pain this way? Most people don’t. They don’t understand why we avoid crunchy foods, hold our faces while we chew, or seem irritable after a long conversation.
However, there are a few things you can do to make a jawtim feel more understood:
Don’t dismiss wisdom tooth pain as “just a little discomfort.” Some people breeze through wisdom tooth growth with minor soreness, but for others, it can lead to infections, jaw stiffness, migraines, and even nerve pain. Acknowledging that the pain is real goes a long way.
Don’t suggest chewing on the other side or “just eating softer foods.” We already do that. And sometimes, even soft foods hurt. Offering ice packs or warm compresses instead of unsolicited advice is much more helpful.
Understand why we might cancel plans. Socializing often means talking, laughing, and eating—all of which can worsen jaw pain. If we cancel a dinner or a long phone call, it’s not because we don’t want to be there; it’s because our jaw physically can’t take it.
Don’t shame us for considering wisdom tooth extraction. Some people assume surgery is an extreme solution, but for many jawtims, it’s the only real fix. If a dentist or oral surgeon recommends removal, trust that we’ve already exhausted home remedies and temporary fixes.
If you offer help, mean it. Small things, like blending food, running errands, or just offering a listening ear, can make a huge difference when someone is dealing with chronic jaw pain. A little support can go a long way.
So where does that leave the jawtims? While family and friends may never fully understand, there are ways to feel less alone. Join wisdom tooth pain support groups, follow online forums, and read blogs from others who have gone through the same experience. Connecting with fellow jawtims has helped me feel less isolated, and I encourage others to seek that same support.
What do you want people to know about jawtims? Let me know in the comments below!
