Jaw pain is one of those symptoms that’s easy to brush off — until it makes eating, talking, or sleeping miserable. Sometimes it’s a passing strain; other times it’s a signal of something that needs attention. Because jaw pain can come from your teeth, your joints, or occasionally something more serious, here’s how to think about it.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often at night), which strains the jaw muscles and joint
- TMJ disorders affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull
- An infected or abscessed tooth radiating pain into the jaw
- Wisdom teeth pushing or becoming impacted
- A cracked tooth causing pain when you bite
When Jaw Pain Is an Emergency
Seek care promptly if your jaw pain comes with any of these:
- Swelling in the jaw or face
- Signs of infection like fever or a bad taste
- Severe pain that won’t ease with over-the-counter medication
- Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing (seek care immediately)
- Jaw pain following an injury or blow to the face
One important note: jaw pain — especially on the left side — combined with chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness can be a sign of a heart problem. If that’s happening, treat it as a medical emergency and call 911.
What You Can Do for Relief
- Apply a warm or cold compress to the jaw
- Eat soft foods and avoid gum or hard, chewy items
- Gently massage the jaw muscles
- Be mindful of clenching during the day
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tooth problem cause jaw pain? Yes. An infected tooth, cracked tooth, or impacted wisdom tooth can all radiate pain into the jaw, which is why a dental exam is a smart first step.
Is TMJ pain treated by a dentist? Often, yes. Dentists can identify jaw-joint and bite-related issues and offer solutions like a custom night guard.
Why is my jaw sore in the morning? Morning jaw soreness is frequently linked to grinding or clenching during sleep, which a dentist can help address.
Get to the Root of the Pain
If persistent or severe jaw pain is affecting your daily life, our Lakewood office can help pinpoint the cause. We’re open 7 days a week — 9 AM–9 PM most days, with evening hours (5–9 PM) on Mondays and Fridays.
Call +1 (253) 921-9506 to have your jaw pain evaluated.