Why does my jaw hurt?

The most common cause: a temporomandibular disorder

Temporomandibular disorders, often called TMJ or TMD, affect the jaw joints near your ears and the muscles around them. NIDCR describes them as a group of more than 30 conditions, with pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint as the most common symptom. Cleveland Clinic says TMJ disorders are common, mostly in adults aged 20 to 40 and about twice as common in women, and that they are treatable and rarely cause lasting problems.

Symptoms include jaw or face pain, jaw stiffness or locking, clicking, popping or grinding sounds, trouble opening or closing the mouth, headaches, and tooth, neck or shoulder pain.

Why does my jaw hurt on one side?

Pain on one side can come from the joint or muscles on that side, from a tooth on that side, or from a habit such as chewing mainly on one side. The sources we read do not single out one-sided pain as a distinct condition. A dentist can tell whether a problem tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth or a joint problem is responsible by examining you and, if needed, taking X-rays.

Healthline says healthy wisdom teeth usually cause no pain, but partial eruption, impaction and misalignment can cause jaw pain and stiffness, and that swelling after extraction can make it hard to open the mouth wide.

Why does my jaw hurt when I wake up?

Teeth grinding or clenching, called bruxism, is a recognized cause and contributor. Cleveland Clinic lists it among the causes of TMJ disorders, and Healthline discusses grinding at night and suggests a mouth guard can help. Habits that make it worse, according to Cleveland Clinic, include chewing on pens or ice, poor posture, large bites and sleeping on your stomach.

If you wake with an aching jaw or headaches, tell your dentist, who can look for signs of wear on your teeth and discuss options.

Can TMJ cause ear pain, headaches and dizziness?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic lists earaches or ringing in the ears and headaches or migraines among TMJ symptoms. NIDCR lists ringing in the ears, hearing loss or dizziness and says there are headaches linked to TMD. Because the jaw joint sits next to the ear, pain can feel like an ear problem, so an ear exam may be needed to rule out an ear infection.

Jaw popping without pain

NIDCR says clicking or popping without pain is common, normal and does not need treatment. Painful clicking, locking, limited movement or pain that interferes with eating are the reasons to be seen.

Other causes of jaw pain

Jaw pain can also come from the teeth and gums. Cleveland Clinic lists cavities, an abscessed tooth, a cracked tooth, a damaged filling or crown, grinding and gum disease as causes of toothache, and these can radiate into the jaw. An infected or impacted wisdom tooth is another cause. Sinus problems can cause pain in the upper teeth, as described in our toothache guide.

What helps while you wait to be seen

Healthline and NIDCR describe first-line self-care: eat soft foods, use ice or heat, reduce jaw movement, avoid chewing gum and tough foods, manage stress, and try gentle jaw-stretching exercises. NIDCR also lists over-the-counter pain relievers and reducing clenching, gum chewing and nail biting. A night mouth guard can help if you grind.

Many TMDs improve without treatment. Healthline says many people's symptoms improve or go away within weeks or months with home remedies, and Cleveland Clinic says some people improve within a week or two while others need ongoing care. See a dentist or doctor if pain, clicking or stiffness does not improve or interferes with daily life.

When jaw pain could be your heart

Pain spreading to the jaw can be a sign of a heart attack. The NHS lists chest pain that may feel crushing or squeezing and may spread to the arm, neck and jaw, with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating or pale, blue or gray skin, and says to call emergency services rather than driving yourself. Do not wait to see a dentist if jaw pain comes with these symptoms.

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