Did you know jaw pain affects up to 10 million people in the U.S. alone? From a dull, nagging ache to sharp discomfort that interferes with eating or talking, jaw pain can impact your daily life more than you might expect. What makes it even more challenging is that the pain isn’t always rooted in the jaw, it could be linked to dental issues, joint problems, or even stress.
Understanding the source is the first step toward effective relief. In this post, we’ll explore 6 possible causes of jaw pain and share practical ways to address each one, so you can move toward lasting comfort.
Common Symptoms of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can feel different depending on the cause. You might experience:
- A dull or sharp pain under ear behind jaw bone (left side or right side)
- Clicking, popping, or locking when opening your mouth
- Stiffness or soreness when chewing or speaking
- Waking up with sore jaw on one side or both sides
- Sudden jaw pain on both sides without any clear reason
- If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to explore the potential cause.
1. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)
One of the most common jaw pain causes is TMJ disorder, which affects the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull.
Common symptoms:
- Clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw
- Tenderness around the ear
- Jaw pain right side near ear or on the left side
- Locking or stiffness of the jaw
How to manage it:
To manage TMJ disorder, try doing jaw relaxation exercises each day and consider using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth. Applying warm compresses can ease muscle tension, and activities like yoga or meditation may help reduce stress. For ongoing issues, it’s best to consult a TMJ specialist or dentist.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you often find yourself waking up with a sore jaw on one side, there’s a good chance you’re grinding your teeth at night—consciously or not.
What causes it:
- Stress and anxiety
- Misaligned teeth
- Sleep disorders
How to stop it:
To stop teeth grinding, wear a custom night guard to protect your jaw while sleeping. Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially at night, and consider stress therapy or counseling if anxiety is a factor. Be mindful of daytime clenching and make a conscious effort to relax your jaw. If you’re seeing our best cosmetic dentist, they can help with alignments or options for mouthguards to prevent further damage.
3. Dental Problems (Toothaches, Infections, Gum Issues)
Sometimes, what feels like jaw pain is actually referred to as pain from a tooth abscess, gum disease, or cavity. This is a common reason behind why your jaw hurts on one side.
Look for signs like:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Throbbing pain near a specific tooth
What to do:
If you suspect a dental issue, see our dentist immediately, don’t ignore it, as infections can spread to the jaw. Early treatment is key, along with maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine to prevent future problems.
Bonus Tip: If your jaw pain stems from gum disease and you’ve recently had a deep cleaning procedure like scaling or root planing, you might be wondering what to eat after root planing to avoid discomfort. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies for a couple of days. Avoid anything spicy, crunchy, or too hot while your gums heal.
4. Sinus Infections and Colds
If you have a cold or allergies, you might also feel jaw pressure or aching on one side, especially near the upper jaw. This is due to inflamed sinus cavities pressing against the facial nerves.
Symptoms may include:
- Facial pressure or swelling
- How to relieve jaw pain from cold: Use steam, nasal sprays, and rest
- Pain that worsens when bending forward
Relief options:
For sinus-related jaw pain, try a saline nasal rinse, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. Applying warm compresses to your face can ease pressure, and over-the-counter decongestants may also provide relief,
5. Arthritis in the Jaw
Jaw joints can develop osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, especially as we age. This can cause stiffness, tenderness, or grinding sensations in the joint.
Signs:
- Jaw pain right side near ear or both sides
- Reduced range of motion
- Persistent swelling or discomfort
What to do:
To manage jaw arthritis, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Regular jaw stretching exercises and heat therapy can improve mobility and comfort. In more severe cases, joint-specific treatments or even surgery might be necessary.
6. Injury or Trauma
If you’ve recently been hit in the face, bitten something hard, or had a fall, your jaw pain may be due to muscle strain, joint dislocation, or even a fracture.
Common signs:
- Immediate pain or swelling
- Trouble opening or closing your mouth
- Pain under ear behind jaw bone left side or right side
How to treat it:
- To treat jaw pain from injury or trauma, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and stick to soft foods to avoid further strain. It’s important to see an oral or maxillofacial specialist to check for fractures or joint damage.
When Should You See a Doctor or Dentist?
You should see a doctor or dentist if your jaw pain lasts more than a few days, becomes sharp while chewing, or comes on suddenly on both sides. Other warning signs include swelling, redness, fever, or if your jaw locks or you can’t open your mouth fully. Getting checked early can help prevent more serious complications.
In rare cases, jaw pain can also be a sign of serious conditions such as a heart attack, especially when accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea. Similarly, measles may cause jaw pain due to swollen glands and a rash. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Tetanus can cause jaw stiffness and muscle spasms, often following a wound, while periodontal disease can lead to jaw pain as a result of gum infection or tooth loss. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How to Stop Jaw Pain Immediately
While long-term jaw pain treatment depends on the cause, here are some things you can try right away to ease discomfort, especially if you’re experiencing pain in jaw muscles due to clenching, stress, or overuse:
Apply a warm compress if it’s muscle-related
- Use a cold pack if there’s swelling or trauma
- Massage the jaw area gently in circular motions
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Avoid chewing hard foods, gum, or clenching your jaw
Final Thoughts
Jaw pain, whether it’s a constant ache or sudden jaw pain on both sides, can be tough to ignore. By understanding the root causes and applying targeted treatments, you can find relief and prevent further discomfort.
Still unsure what’s causing your jaw discomfort? Don’t guess, schedule a visit with our Plano dentist or healthcare provider to get to the root of the issue.
FAQs
Q#1: Why does my jaw hurt on one side?
This can be due to TMJ issues, teeth grinding, an infected tooth, sinus pressure, or even sleeping posture. A dental exam can help pinpoint the cause.
Q#2: How to get rid of jaw pain on one side?
Start by identifying the trigger, whether it’s stress, grinding, or a dental issue. Use heat or cold therapy, consider a night guard, and consult your dentist for a thorough checkup.
Q#3: Jaw pain on the right side near the ear, is that normal?
It’s a common symptom of TMJ disorder or teeth grinding. If the pain persists or worsens, get a professional evaluation.
Q#4: Waking up with a sore jaw on one side, what’s causing it ?
This often points to nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). A custom night guard and stress relief methods can help.
Q#5: How to relieve jaw pain from cold or sinus pressure?
Use steam inhalation, nasal decongestants, stay hydrated, and rest. If pain continues, it might be time to visit your doctor.
