When to seek care for jaw pain

Overview

Jaw pain is discomfort or soreness in the jaw joint, the muscles that move your jaw, or the teeth. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain and may come from various causes, such as teeth grinding, sinus infections, or problems with the temporomandibular joint (the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull).

Yes, jaw pain is a common complaint. Many people experience it at some point, often due to teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or dental problems.

Jaw pain can affect anyone, but it is more common in women and people between the ages of 20 and 40. It also frequently affects people who grind their teeth or have arthritis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint or around the ear
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving your jaw
• Aching pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
• Headaches, especially in the temples
• Pain when chewing or yawning

Symptoms in children

• Complaints of jaw pain when eating or talking
• Grinding teeth at night (may be noticed as worn-down teeth)
• Ear pain without an ear infection
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain or stiffness in the jaw joint, often linked to arthritis
• Denture-related soreness or ill-fitting dentures causing jaw strain
• Face or jaw pain as a side effect of certain blood pressure medicines
• Increased risk of jaw fracture from falls or osteoporosis

Causes

Main causes

• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJ problems)
• Teeth grinding or clenching (often at night)
• Dental problems like an abscessed tooth or gum disease
• Sinus infections causing referred pain to the jaw
• Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Injury to the jaw, such as a fracture or dislocated jaw
• Stress or anxiety leading to muscle tension in the jaw

Risk factors

• Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
• Stress or anxiety
• Having arthritis
• Recent dental procedures
• Poor posture (forward head posture can strain jaw muscles)
• Chewing gum excessively or biting your nails
• Hormonal changes (jaw pain is more common in women)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea.
• Go to the nearest emergency department if you have severe swelling, trouble breathing, or signs of a serious infection.
• If you cannot close your mouth after an injury or yawning, see a doctor or dentist urgently.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment with your GP or dentist if jaw pain lasts more than a week.
• See your dentist if you have tooth pain, a broken tooth, or swollen gums along with jaw pain.
• If you have clicking or locking of the jaw that makes eating difficult, book a routine appointment.
• You should see a doctor if jaw pain is accompanied by headaches, earaches, or face pain that doesn't go away.

Diagnosis

Your doctor or dentist will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They will then gently feel your jaw joints and muscles, ask you to open and close your mouth, and listen for any clicking or popping sounds.

Tests that may be done

• Dental exam to check for tooth decay, gum disease, or abscesses
• X-rays of the jaw and teeth to look for fractures or joint problems
• MRI or CT scan if a more detailed view of the jaw joint is needed (sometimes for complex TMJ disorders)
• Blood tests if arthritis or infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment usually lasts 10–20 minutes. The doctor may ask about your stress levels, sleep habits, and whether you grind your teeth. No special preparation is needed, but it helps to note when the pain occurs and what makes it better or worse.

Treatment

Treatment for jaw pain depends on the cause. For most mild cases, self-care and simple lifestyle changes are enough. If pain is from a dental problem, your dentist will treat that first. For TMJ disorders, a combination of self-care, physical therapy, and sometimes a mouthguard can help.

Self-care at home

• Apply a warm compress or ice pack to the painful area for 10–15 minutes several times a day
• Eat soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies) to rest the jaw muscles
• Avoid chewy foods, gum, and hard candies
• Try gentle jaw stretches and relaxation techniques
• Massage the jaw muscles gently
• Practice good posture, especially when sitting at a desk
• If you grind your teeth at night, consider a mouthguard (ask your dentist)

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (always follow the package instructions). For TMJ disorders, a physical therapist can teach exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles. Some people benefit from a custom-made dental splint or mouthguard. In cases of severe pain, a doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications for a short time. Note: do not take any medication without checking with a healthcare professional first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery for jaw pain is very rare and usually only considered after months or years of other treatments failing. Procedures may include arthrocentesis (joint flushing) or, rarely, open joint surgery for severe TMJ disorders. Your doctor will discuss all options carefully.

Living with this condition

Living with jaw pain can be frustrating, but most people manage well with small changes. Keep a diary of what triggers your pain – foods, stress, or certain activities – and avoid those triggers. Let your family and friends know so they can support you.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid jaw-clenching habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens
• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress
• Sleep on your back or side with a supportive pillow to avoid straining your neck and jaw
• Don't prop your phone between your ear and shoulder – use a headset instead
• Take breaks from chewing gum or tough foods

Diet and exercise

Stick to soft foods when the pain is worse – try soups, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, or smoothies. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Gentle jaw exercises (like slowly opening and closing your mouth) can help maintain mobility, but don't push through pain. Regular low-impact exercise like walking can also help reduce stress.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic jaw pain can affect your mood, sleep, and ability to concentrate. It's common to feel frustrated or anxious. If the pain is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. They may suggest counselling or referral to a pain management specialist.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all causes of jaw pain, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding habits that strain the jaw. Managing stress, not chewing gum excessively, and maintaining good dental hygiene are helpful steps.

Screening programmes

If you have risk factors like teeth grinding or stress, your dentist may notice early signs of wear on your teeth during a routine check-up. Regular dental visits can help catch problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain and stiffness in the jaw joint that makes eating difficult
• Damage to teeth from grinding (worn-down enamel, cracks)
• Spread of dental infection to the jaw bone or other parts of the face
• TMJ disorders can lead to chronic headaches or neck pain

Long-term outlook

For most people, jaw pain gets better with simple treatment and self-care. Even chronic TMJ problems often improve over time. With the right support, you can return to normal activities. If you have an underlying dental or medical cause, treating that usually resolves the pain. The outlook is generally positive.

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