Jaw Pain

In plain English

What jaw pain usually means

Jaw pain is discomfort in the hinge joints just in front of the ears, in the chewing muscles of the cheeks and temples, or along the jawbone itself. The two joints, known as the temporomandibular joints or TMJ, work as a pair every time you chew, talk or yawn, so a problem in the joint, the muscles that move it or the way the teeth meet can all be felt as an ache, tightness, clicking, a jaw that catches or locks, or pain that spreads to the ear, temple or neck. Most jaw pain is muscular or joint-related and builds gradually. Some is not. A dental infection can cause pain and stiffness in the jaw, and that version is urgent. Jaw pain together with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or pain spreading to the arm can be a sign of a heart attack and means calling 911. For mild jaw pain without those features, see a dentist within 1 to 2 weeks. Be seen immediately if it comes with fever, severe swelling or difficulty breathing.

TMJ disorder

Problems in the joint or the small disc inside it typically cause pain in front of the ear, clicking or popping on opening, and a jaw that shifts to one side, catches or briefly locks. Symptoms often fluctuate, flaring for days or weeks and then easing.

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Clenching or grinding overworks the chewing muscles. The ache is usually dull, felt in the cheeks or temples on both sides, and worst on waking or after concentrating. Worn tooth edges, tooth sensitivity and morning headaches commonly go with it.

Arthritis

The jaw joint can be affected by the same wear-related or inflammatory arthritis that affects other joints. It tends to bring stiffness, a grating or crunching sensation on movement and a reduced opening, often in people who already have arthritis elsewhere.

Tooth infection spreading

Infection from a tooth, often a lower molar or a wisdom tooth, can inflame the tissues and muscles around the jaw. Warning features are a sore tooth or gum, swelling, a bad taste, fever and increasing difficulty opening the mouth. This needs immediate care, not a routine visit.

Stress and tension

Many people hold tension in the jaw without noticing, keeping the teeth together or the muscles braced through the day. The result is a tired, tight ache that tracks with stressful periods and may ease on days off. Neck and shoulder tightness often accompany it.

Misaligned bite

When teeth do not meet evenly, because of their position, missing teeth or a new filling or crown that sits high, the jaw may shift to find a comfortable close. Pain that began soon after dental work is worth reporting, since a high spot is simple to adjust.

What a dentist does about it

A dentist will ask where the pain is, when it is worst, whether the jaw clicks or locks, and about sleep, stress, grinding and any recent dental work or injury. The examination usually includes pressing on the joints and chewing muscles, listening and feeling as you open and close, measuring how wide you can open, checking the teeth for wear and for infection, and looking at how the bite meets. X-rays or other imaging may be used if the joint or a tooth is in question. Most muscular and joint-related jaw pain is managed conservatively: a custom night guard, jaw exercises, bite adjustment, and sometimes referral to a physical therapist or a specialist. A dental infection is treated at its source. If arthritis is suspected, your doctor may be involved.

Until you can be seen

For jaw pain with no swelling or fever, comfort measures until your visit include moist heat or a cold pack on the sore muscles, soft foods, and avoiding extreme movements such as wide yawns and big bites. Gentle jaw stretches and stress reduction techniques can ease muscle tension, and over-the-counter pain relief may be used as directed on the label after checking with a pharmacist. These do not identify the cause, so still see a dentist within 1 to 2 weeks. If the jaw is swollen or you have a fever, do not use heat and be seen immediately. Trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling toward the eye or neck, or jaw pain with chest symptoms means 911 or the ER.

Note — Timing

When to See a Dentist

Table 1 — Possible causes

Possible Causes of Jaw Pain

1. 01TMJ disorder
2. 02Teeth grinding (bruxism)
3. 03Arthritis
4. 04Tooth infection spreading
5. 05Stress and tension
6. 06Misaligned bite

Table 2 — Home remedies & self-care

Home Remedies & Self-Care

These may help manage symptoms temporarily while waiting for professional care.

• 01Apply moist heat or cold packs
• 02Eat soft foods
• 03Avoid extreme jaw movements
• 04Gentle jaw stretches
• 05Over-the-counter pain relievers, taken as directed on the package label
• 06Stress reduction techniques

Table 3 — Common treatments

Common Treatments for Jaw Pain

These dental procedures are commonly used to treat jaw pain.

Table 4 — Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Pain