Why Does My Jaw Hurt? Common Causes of Jaw Pain + Easy Ways to Find Relief
Plus see the warning signs you should visit the ER
You rely on your jaw to eat, speak, smile and laugh, so it’s only natural that it feels sore from time to time. But if that pain is severe or lingers, you may find yourself wondering “Why does my jaw hurt?” We asked experts to break down the most common reasons your jaw hurts and share how to get relief.
Why does my jaw hurt? 5 triggers that cause jaw pain
Here we reveal what can make your jaw hurt, plus how to find relief through home care or a visit to your doctor.
Cavities
Large cavities that develop in teeth can irritate nerves to cause tooth pain that radiates to the jaw or the ear. And as cosmetic and restorative dentist Naomi Goldman, DDS, adds, “If the nerve tissue becomes too inflamed, it eventually will lead to a tooth infection, which also creates pain that can radiate to the jaw, ear or temple.”
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“Nerve pain due to cavities is sharp and electric”, she notes, while infection pain tends to be dull and achy. Plus, infections can sometimes be accompanied by pain and fever.
How to ease jaw pain: Visit your dentist. “Over-the-counter pain medications can help a little, but treatment is very necessary to remove pain” at the source, Dr. Goldman stresses. Treatment for severe cavities or tooth infections typically involves root canal therapy, followed by placement of a dental crown.
Grinding your teeth
“Bruxism is teeth grinding or jaw clenching, either during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism, often during stress or focus),” explains Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical officer for Garage Gym Reviews. “It’s usually caused by stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, sleep disorders or even too much caffeine or alcohol.”
Over time, the constant tension and grinding put extra strain on the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects the jaw to the skull. The result: You may experience jaw pain that feels like a dull ache, tightness or soreness in the jaw, temples or even behind the eyes.
“It can be on one or both sides and may feel worse in the morning (if grinding happens at night) or after concentrating for long periods (if clenching during the day),” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Some people also notice tooth sensitivity, ear pain or a clicking jaw.”
How to ease jaw pain: A dentist can diagnose bruxism by checking for telltale signs such as tooth wear, jaw tension and tenderness. Treatment varies depending on the cause of bruxism itself. But strategies can include relaxation techniques, limiting caffeine and alcohol, improving sleep habits and wearing a mouthguard.
“In severe cases, muscle relaxants, Botox injections or dental work may be recommended,” Dr. Dasgupta notes. But when it comes to mouth guards, he recommends having your dentist design a custom-made appliance. “They’re more comfortable, last longer, fit properly and provide better protection since they’re molded specifically for your teeth.”
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
TMD is a painful condition that affects the TMJ, “It can be caused by jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, arthritis, injury or excessive jaw tension,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “When the joint isn’t working properly, it can lead to inflammation, muscle strain and pain in the jaw and surrounding areas.”
TMD pain can be felt on one side or both and often gets worse with chewing, yawning, talking or clenching your jaw, he explains. “It’s usually a dull ache or sharp discomfort in the jaw, around the ear or the temples. Other symptoms include jaw clicking or popping, limited movement, headaches, ear pain or a feeling like your jaw is locking up.”
How to ease jaw pain: TMD is typically diagnosed by a dentist, oral surgeon, or ENT specialist. For at-home relief, try warm or cold compresses, OTC pain meds such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen and eating soft foods for a few days to give your jaw a rest. Also smart: Managing stress, avoiding clenching and practicing jaw exercises as recommended by your dentist or physician.
Sinusitis
“Sinusitis happens when the sinuses become inflamed and swollen, usually due to a cold, allergies or a bacterial infection,” says Dr. Dasgupta. ”When your sinuses get clogged, pressure builds up—especially in the maxillary sinuses, which sit near your cheeks and upper jaw. That pressure can radiate down, making your jaw feel sore and achy.”
“If sinusitis is the cause of your jaw pain, you’ll probably also notice nasal congestion, facial pressure (around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead), postnasal drip, headaches, thick mucus (yellow or green if bacterial) and possibly a low-grade fever,” he notes. Another red flag: Pain that gets worse when you bend over, lie down, or press on your cheeks.
How to ease jaw pain: Most cases of sinusitis start clearing up within a week. “And as your sinuses drain, the jaw pain should ease,” he says. In the meantime, taking OTC pain relievers can ease pain, as can staying well- hydrated, using saline nasal sprays or rinses, inhaling steam and applying warm compresses over your sinuses.
Decongestant nasal sprays (like oxymetazoline) can also provide temporary pain relief, Dr. Dasgupta notes. But since overuse can trigger rebound congestion, he cautions against using them for more than a few days. And if symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse, see your doctor. “It could be a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics,” he says.
Heart attack
“One common manifestation of a heart attack is pain in the jaw, neck or left arm,” notes Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at Vital Solution. “When the heart experiences ischemia, or insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, the heart communicates the issue through referred pain,” he explains.
Signs that may indicate that the pain originates from the heart include:
- Pain during moderate exercise that subsides with rest
- Pain on one side (primarily the left side of the jaw), particularly when accompanied by the absence of redness or swelling in the jaw
- Pain felt in the neck and arm
- Pain associated with shortness of breath, perspiration or clammy skin
Important: “If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt evaluation either in the emergency room or by your primary care physician,” Dr. Serwer stresses. Learn more about the lifesaving steps to take when heart attack symptoms strike here.
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