- Jaw pain that starts after a hard hit to the face or comes with swelling, bruising, or bleeding needs urgent medical evaluation.
- Jaw pain with fever, worsening swelling, or trouble moving the jaw may be a sign of infection and should not be ignored.
- Jaw pain that lasts more than a week or occurs with numbness, tingling, or bleeding in the mouth should be assessed promptly.
Jaw pain is a common symptom that can be caused by conditions like TMJ disorders, dental infections, teeth grinding, or direct trauma to the face. It may also be linked to less common problems such as bone infections or, in rare cases, jaw cancer.
Jaw pain can make everyday activities difficult and may occur with symptoms like swelling, ear pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing and speaking. Depending on the cause, symptoms may appear suddenly or worsen over time.
Treatment for jaw pain varies and may include mouth guards, medications, physical therapy, antibiotics, or surgery in more serious cases. A proper diagnosis is important to identify the underlying cause and guide the most effective treatment.
What causes jaw pain?
The main causes of jaw pain are:
1. TMJ disorders
TMJ disorders affect how the joint that connects the jaw to the skull works. This joint allows you to open and close your mouth.
When the joint or the nearby muscles are not working properly, you may notice clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw or chew, along with facial pain, headaches, or even swelling in the face.
How to treat it: It is a good idea to see a dentist if you think you may have a TMJ problem. The dentist will examine your jaw joint, discuss your symptoms, and recommend treatment based on the cause and severity of your pain.
TMJ treatment often starts with conservative options, such as physical therapy, a night guard or mouth guard, and anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve pain.
If pain does not improve with these measures or begins to spread to other areas, the dentist may refer you to a specialist to discuss whether surgical treatment is needed.
2. Direct trauma
Direct trauma to the face can cause jaw pain, particularly if it leads to a joint dislocation or bone fracture. In these situations, the jaw pain may also be accompanied by swelling, bleeding, and bruising in the area.
How to treat it: Very severe blows to the face should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out dislocation or fractures. If these are present, more specific treatment may be needed, such as immobilization, surgery, or physical therapy.
3. Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Bruxism is when a person unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth, either during sleep or in stressful situations. This extra pressure on the jaw and nearby muscles can cause pain.
Other signs include worn-down teeth, headaches upon waking, and teeth that feel sensitive or weakened.
How to treat it: If you think you might be grinding your teeth, it’s important to see a dentist. They may recommend a mouth guard to protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep.
4. Dental problems
Dental problems such as gingivitis, cavities, or gum abscesses can cause jaw pain, especially when they are not treated or are poorly managed. These issues may not affect the jaw bone directly, but they can change the way you move your jaw, which can lead to pain.
How to treat it: You are advised to see a dentist to evaluate and treat any dental pain. Dental abscesses may require treatment with antibiotics.
According to the American Dental Association, good dental hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
5. Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that causes inflammation and can affect the jawbone and TMJ. It is typically associated with pain, fever, local swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
How to treat it: It is important to see your doctor or dentist if you think you might have osteomyelitis. They can order tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.
In addition to prescribing antibiotics, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the affected parts of the bone. Prompt treatment is essential to help stop the infection from spreading and to prevent further complications.
6. Jaw cancer
Jaw cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the bones of the jaw. It can cause jaw pain that gets worse as the tumor grows, as well as throat-area swelling, bleeding in the mouth, numbness, tingling, and headaches.
How to treat it: It is important to see a doctor if your symptoms last longer than a week. The doctor can order tests to confirm the diagnosis, and the results will help guide treatment.
Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment may include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and place a prosthesis, as well as radiation therapy.