Jaw pain isn’t just an inconvenience; it can disrupt everyday activities like eating, speaking, and sleeping. Understanding the causes of jaw pain is essential to addressing the issue properly. The reasons for jaw pain can range from minor problems such as teeth grinding to more serious health concerns that require immediate attention. Recognising common jaw pain symptoms helps guide you toward the right treatment and ensures your care is both effective and safe. For more information on protecting your well-being, check out our blog, Things to Ensure You Are Receiving Safe Dental Care.

1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, often happens while you sleep and can go unnoticed until your jaw begins to ache or your teeth show signs of wear. This unconscious clenching or grinding puts excessive pressure on your jaw muscles and joints.

Common Symptoms:

• Dull, persistent jaw pain, especially in the morning
• Headaches that start at the temples
• Tight or fatigued jaw muscles
• Cracked or worn teeth
• Trouble sleeping or waking up feeling unrested

What Causes It:

• High stress or anxiety levels
• Sleep disorders
• Misaligned bite or crooked teeth
• Stimulants like caffeine or alcohol

How to Treat It:

• Wear a custom-fitted night guard to protect your teeth and reduce strain on the jaw
• Try stress-reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy.
• Consider dental treatments to correct bite issues.
• Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for short-term relief.

2. Improper Bite (Malocclusion)

When your teeth don’t align properly when your mouth is closed, your jaw must work harder with every bite or word. This extra strain can lead to jaw fatigue and discomfort over time. For more insights on how different chewing habits affect your oral health, check out To Chew or Not to Chew: Gum Types Preferred by Dentists to learn which gums are best for supporting a healthy jaw.

Common Symptoms:

• Jaw clicking or popping sounds
• Muscle tension or tightness in the face
• Uneven wear on teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Jaw pain that gets worse after eating

What Causes It:

• Genetic factors
• Childhood habits like thumb sucking or pacifier use
• Trauma or jaw injuries
• Missing teeth or improperly fitted restorations

How to Treat It:

• Orthodontic treatment, like braces or clear aligners
• Dental Crowns or bonding to reshape teeth
• Jaw surgery in extreme cases
• Ongoing dental monitoring to prevent further complications

3. Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

This chronic condition occurs when trigger points (tight knots) develop in the muscles used to move the jaw. Unlike temporary soreness, MPS pain can linger for weeks or months.

Common Symptoms:

• Constant dull, aching pain in the jaw and neck
• Pain that worsens with jaw movement
• Tender spots or “knots” in the muscles
• Restricted jaw mobility
• Headaches or earaches

What Causes It:

• Overuse of jaw muscles (e.g., talking, chewing gum, yawning widely)
• Poor posture, especially in the neck and shoulders
• Chronic clenching or grinding
• Stress and muscle tension

How to Treat It:

• Physical therapy and massage to relieve muscle tension
• Heat therapy or trigger-point injections
• Medications for inflammation or nerve pain
• Relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related tension

4. Jaw Cancer

Though rare, jaw pain can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition like jaw cancer. Early detection is key in improving outcomes.

Common Symptoms:

• Persistent jaw or facial pain
• Lumps or growths in the jaw area
• Difficulty moving the jaw
• Numbness or tingling in the lower face
• Mouth sores that don’t heal
• Loose teeth without an obvious cause

Risk Factors:

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of oral cancer
• Poor oral hygiene over time

How to Treat It:

• Imaging and biopsy for diagnosis
• Surgery to remove the tumour
• Radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the stage
• Reconstructive procedures after treatment

5. Tetanus

Tetanus is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause severe jaw stiffness, known as “lockjaw.” It occurs when a certain type of bacteria infects an open wound and releases toxins that affect the muscles.

Common Symptoms:

• Inability to open the mouth fully
• Muscle spasms in the face and neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever and sweating
• Sudden jaw pain or stiffness

What Causes It:

• Open wounds or punctures exposed to contaminated surfaces (e.g., rusty nails)
• Lack of up-to-date tetanus vaccinations

How to Treat or Prevent It:

• Keep wounds clean and covered
• Tetanus booster shots every 10 years
• Immediate medical attention for deep or dirty wounds
• Antibiotics and antitoxins are administered in severe cases.

6. Heart Attack

Believe it or not, pain in your jaw can be an early sign of a heart attack, especially if it comes on suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms.

Common Symptoms:

• Sudden, intense jaw pain on the left side
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness
• Pain that radiates to the arm, shoulder, or neck

What Causes It:

• Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle
• Underlying cardiovascular disease

How to Respond:

• Seek emergency medical help immediately
• Do not ignore jaw pain if you have other heart disease risk factors (like high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history)
• Chew aspirin if directed by a medical professional.

This is a true medical emergency; every minute matters.

7. Broken Jaw

If you’ve had recent facial trauma from a fall, car accident, or sports injury, jaw pain may be the result of a fracture. A broken jaw needs immediate medical attention to prevent long-term complications.

Common Symptoms:

• Sharp, severe pain that worsens with movement
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• Bruising and swelling along the jawline
• Loose or misaligned teeth
• Numbness in the lower lip or chin

What Causes It:

• Accidents or sports injuries
• Physical altercations
• Falls or blunt trauma

How to Treat It:

• Immobilisation using wiring or bandaging
• Surgery for displaced or complex fractures
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Soft diet during healing and follow-up imaging

Prompt treatment is crucial for a successful recovery and to maintain alignment and jaw function.

Final Thoughts

Why does my jaw hurt? It’s a question many people ask, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. What are the most common reasons for jaw pain? They range from everyday habits like teeth grinding and stress-related clenching to more serious concerns like dental infections or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. If you're experiencing ongoing discomfort, it may be linked to TMJ issues. To better understand these symptoms and when to seek care, visit our blog What Causes TMJ and Should You Treat It, where we explore the signs, causes, and treatment options in more detail.

At Schaumburg Dental Studio, we're here to help you find clarity and relief. If you're wondering why your jaw hurts, don’t ignore the discomfort. Schedule a consultation with our caring team today. We’ll identify the cause and develop a personalised treatment plan to restore your comfort and your smile.