Why Does My Jaw Hurt? Causes of Jaw Pain

Jaw pain affects millions of people and can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting discomfort that makes everyday activities challenging. Whether you're experiencing difficulty chewing your morning toast, speaking during meetings, or getting a good night's sleep, pain in the jaw can significantly impact your quality of life.

If your jaw hurts, you're not alone, and you don't have to live with the discomfort. Let's explore the common causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options that can help you get back to comfortable eating, speaking, and sleeping.

Common Causes of Jaw Pain

Several factors can contribute to this type of pain.  Here are the most frequent culprits behind jaw discomfort:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD) are one of the most common causes of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull, and when these joints don't function properly, they can cause significant discomfort. TMJ disorders often result from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress, or structural problems with the joint itself.

Dental issues

Dental issues frequently contribute to pain. Untreated cavities, tooth abscesses, and advanced gum disease can all create pain that radiates throughout the jaw area. When a jaw hurts from tooth problems, the discomfort often intensifies with pressure, temperature changes, or when chewing. Urgent evaluation is needed for spreading facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing/breathing.

Muscle Strain or Injury

Muscle strain or injury can occur from overuse, sudden movements, or trauma to the jaw area. People who chew gum excessively, eat particularly tough foods, or experience facial trauma may develop muscle-related pain that affects their ability to open and close their mouth comfortably.

Arthritis or joint inflammation

Arthritis or joint inflammation can affect the temporomandibular joints just like other joints in the body. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Sinus or Ear Infections

Sinus infections or ear conditions sometimes cause referred upper-jaw/tooth pain that feels like it’s coming from the jaw. When sinuses become inflamed or infected, the pressure can radiate to the jaw area, creating discomfort that people may mistake for dental problems.

Jaw Pain on One Side: What It Means

When one side of your jaw hurts, it often points to specific underlying causes that affect only one side of your face. Understanding these patterns can help you and your healthcare provider identify the source of your discomfort more quickly.

Dental or Oral Health Issues

If your jaw hurts on one side, dental problems are often the culprit. A tooth abscess, large cavity, or wisdom tooth issue typically affects only the side where the problem tooth is located. These conditions can cause intense, throbbing jaw pain on one side that may worsen with pressure or changes in temperature.

Gum disease in its advanced stages can also cause localized pain, making it feel like the primary issue is jaw pain on one side, when the actual problem is an infection or inflammation in the gum tissue around specific teeth.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ problems don't always affect both sides equally. If you tend to chew primarily on one side, clench your jaw asymmetrically, or have bite alignment issues, you may experience symptoms on one side of your face more than the other. 

Other Medical Causes

Medical conditions, such as sinus infections, ear infections, or nerve-related pain, can cause jaw pain on one side that is unrelated to your teeth or jaw joints. Sinus pressure from congestion or infection often creates pain that radiates to the upper jaw on the affected side, while ear infections can cause referred pain to the lower jaw area.

How Jaw Pain Is Diagnosed

Proper diagnosis of jaw pain requires a systematic approach that considers multiple potential causes. Healthcare providers use several methods to determine the cause of your discomfort.

Medical & Dental History

Your provider will begin by gathering detailed information about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what triggers it, and how it affects your daily activities. They'll ask about your dental health, any recent injuries, stress levels, and habits like teeth grinding or gum chewing.

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination involves checking your bite alignment, jaw movement range, and areas of tenderness. Your provider will examine your muscles for tension, your joints for clicking or popping, and assess your range of motion and swelling that may indicate the source of your symptoms.

They'll also examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, or damage that could be contributing to jaw pain. Sometimes what feels like a jaw problem is actually a dental issue that's causing referred pain.

Diagnostic Tests

When the cause of the pain isn't immediately apparent, imaging tests can provide valuable information. X-rays can reveal dental problems, bone issues, or joint abnormalities. CT scans or MRI may be necessary for complex cases where detailed analysis of soft tissue or joint problems is required.

Treatment Options for Jaw Pain

When dental issues are the cause of your symptoms, targeted dental treatment often provides significant relief. Custom-made night guards can protect your teeth from grinding damage and reduce muscle tension that contributes to pain. 

Dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy, may be necessary if tooth decay or damage is the source of your discomfort. Bite adjustments can help if misalignment is contributing to uneven jaw stress. 

Regular dental exams play a crucial role in preventing and identifying problems before they cause significant jaw pain. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major sources of discomfort.

When to See a Dentist for Jaw Pain

Persistent or worsening pain that lasts more than a few days should be evaluated, especially if it interferes with daily activities such as eating, speaking, or sleeping.

Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully, or locking of the jaw, requires immediate attention. These symptoms can indicate serious TMJ problems or other conditions that need professional treatment.

Swelling in the jaw area, clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, or grinding sensations during jaw movement are signs that something isn't functioning correctly and needs evaluation.

Signs of infection, such as fever, facial swelling, or severe toothache, require urgent care. Dental infections can spread quickly and become dangerous if not treated promptly.

If you've recently started orthodontic treatment and are wondering about related discomfort, understanding whether Invisalign can cause jaw pain can help you distinguish between normal adjustment discomfort and problems that need attention.

Finding Relief From Jaw Pain With Professional Care

Jaw pain shouldn't be something you just learn to live with. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in preventing jaw pain from developing into a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life. 

At Total Health Dental Care, our experienced team understands the complex nature of jaw pain and takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. We work with you to identify the root cause of your discomfort and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

FAQs About Jaw Pain

What foods should I avoid if my jaw hurts? 

Avoid hard foods like nuts, raw carrots, or crusty bread that require extensive chewing. Skip chewy items like gum, caramel, or tough meats. Also, avoid foods that require a wide mouth opening, such as large sandwiches or whole apples. Stick to soft foods, such as soups, smoothies, cooked vegetables, and tender proteins, that won't strain jaw muscles.

Is jaw pain more common as you age? 

Jaw pain can occur at any age, but certain causes become more common with aging. Arthritis affecting the jaw joints, tooth wear that changes bite alignment, and accumulated stress from years of teeth grinding can contribute to pain over time. 

Can jaw pain cause headaches or earaches? 

Jaw pain frequently causes referred pain in other areas of the head and face. TMJ disorders commonly trigger tension headaches, while jaw muscle tension can create pain that radiates to the temples and behind the eyes.