That persistent ache in your jaw isn’t something to ignore. Whether it disrupts meals, sleep or your day, jaw pain affects life quality and calls for attention.
Jaw pain affects 5–12% of people, with causes ranging from common teeth grinding to serious conditions.
Most jaw discomfort stems from three main sources: temporomandibular joint problems, nighttime teeth grinding, or dental issues.
Sometimes it signals something requiring urgent care.
This guide explains what’s going on and exactly what you should do next.
⚠️ Emergency: Ring 999 immediately if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or arm pain — possible heart attack.
Table of Contents
Is Your Jaw Pain an Emergency?
Act fast and call 999 if you have:
-
Jaw pain with chest pressure or pain
-
Difficulty catching your breath
-
Pain spreading to arms, back or neck
-
Unable to open or close your mouth after an injury
Contact your GP today if you notice:
-
Fever with jaw pain
-
Facial swelling, redness, or discharge
-
Severe pain after facial trauma
-
Signs suggesting infection
If none of these apply, read on to identify your jaw pain type.
Quick Pain Assessment: When Does It Hurt?
-
Morning pain: Commonly teeth grinding (bruxism)
-
Pain while chewing/talking: Likely TMJ disorder or dental problem
-
Constant pain: Potential infection or inflammation
7 Most Common Causes of Jaw Pain
1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Nighttime grinding affects 8–10% of people in the UK, pressing your jaw muscles harder than chewing.
You may wake with stiff jaw, headaches, sensitive or worn teeth, or hear grinding sounds.
Dental guards and stress management help.
(UK Bruxism Association stats)
2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
TMJ disorders affect your jaw joint near the ears. Women get TMJ at twice the rate of men.
Symptoms: clicking, jaw locking, pain with chewing, ear ache, headache, limited jaw opening.
TMJ often fluctuates — many sufferers underestimate it.
(See NHS TMJ Guide)
3. Dental Issues
Abscesses, cavities, gum disease, and erupting wisdom teeth cause throbbing, sharp, sensitive pain.
Often worse with hot/cold and biting.
Visible swelling/infection need urgent dental care.
4. Stress & Muscle Tension
Stress fuels day clenching, causing jaw muscle tightness and pain.
Pain often improves on relaxing or weekends.
Muscle ache with associated tension headaches common.
5. Previous Injury or Trauma
Facial/jaw injuries can cause delayed, chronic jaw pain, unilateral pain, and worsening symptoms.
Pain often changes with weather or over time.
6. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the jaw joint cartilage causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
Often coincides with arthritis in other joints.
7. Heart Attack Warning Signs
Jaw pain can signal cardiac issues, especially in women.
Associated chest tightness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or arm/neck pain require 999 emergency call immediately.
Evidence-Based Treatments
Immediate Pain Relief
-
Use warm compresses for 15–20 minutes to reduce muscle tension
-
Apply ice for inflammation reduction (max 10-15 minutes, wrapped)
-
Gentle jaw stretches: slow opening/closing, side to side
-
Eat soft foods; avoid gum, tough meats, chewy foods
-
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as per instructions
-
Manage stress with mindfulness, exercise, counselling
Condition-Specific Care
-
Custom night guards for bruxism
-
Physiotherapy and jaw exercises for TMJ disorders
-
Dental treatment for abscesses, cavities, gum infection
-
Specialist interventions (injections, surgery) are rare and for severe cases
Prevention Tips
-
Avoid excessive chewing, nail or pen biting, gum
-
Maintain relaxed jaw posture: lips closed, teeth apart
-
Sleep with proper neck/head support; wear night guard if advised
-
Manage stress proactively with regular exercise and relaxation techniques
-
Address dental issues early to prevent worsening
Professional Help: When and Who
See your GP if:
-
Cause unclear or sudden severe pain
-
Symptoms suggest systemic illness
-
Need documentation for work/sickness
See your dentist if:
-
Suspect tooth/gum problem
-
Need night guard evaluation
-
Pain worsens chewing or is persistent
Consider specialist referral if:
-
No improvement after 6-8 weeks of treatment
-
Frequent jaw locking or severe pain
-
Daily function severely affected
FAQ
Why does my jaw hurt when I wake up?
Usually grinding (bruxism) during sleep causing muscle strain and joint tension.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Yes. Stress-induced clenching/grinding is a major cause.
How to differentiate dental pain from TMJ?
Dental pain is sharp, localized, especially sensitive to hot/cold. TMJ pain is dull, often bilateral, worsens with talking/yawning.
What if my jaw locks?
Jaw locking is a common TMJ symptom; sudden or painful locking requires immediate evaluation.
Could jaw pain mean heart attack?
Jaw pain with chest pain, sweating, or breathlessness can be cardiac. Call 999 immediately.
Conclusion
Jaw pain isn’t just an irritation. Most causes are manageable but some require fast medical attention.
Understand symptoms, try appropriate home relief, and always see your GP or dentist if pain persists or red flags arise.
