Why Does My Jaw Hurt? A Dentist Explains the Most Common Causes

You wake up and your jaw aches. Maybe it's one side. Maybe it throbs near your ear or gets worse when you chew your toast. You prod at it with your fingers and think, "What did I do?"

After 30 years of treating patients in Campbelltown, I can tell you: jaw pain is one of the most common complaints I hear at Bradbury Dental Surgery. And the tricky part? The cause isn't always obvious. Your jaw pain might be coming from your jaw joint, your teeth, your sinuses, your muscles, or even your medication. Sometimes it's a combination.

So why does your jaw hurt? Let's work through the most likely causes, how to tell them apart, and when it's time to get it checked.

What's Actually Going On When Your Jaw Hurts?

Your jaw is one of the most hard-working joints in your body. The temporomandibular joint (that's the TMJ, the hinge joint that connects your lower jawbone to your skull, just in front of each ear) opens and closes thousands of times a day. Talking, chewing, yawning, swallowing. It never really gets a break.

The joint itself is surrounded by a network of muscles, including the masseter (the thick muscle you can feel when you clench), the temporalis (running up the side of your head), and the pterygoid muscles (deeper inside, behind your jaw). Any of these can be the source of pain.

That's why jaw pain is so confusing for patients. A sore jaw joint feels different from sore jaw muscles, which feels different from tooth pain radiating into the jawbone. But they all register as "my jaw hurts."

The Most Common Causes of Jaw Pain

The most common cause of jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), followed closely by teeth grinding (bruxism), dental infections, and sinus problems. In my experience, stress-related clenching accounts for a large portion of the jaw pain cases I see, particularly during high-pressure periods like end of financial year and exam season across Campbelltown and the Macarthur region.

Here's a breakdown of each cause.

TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

TMJ disorder (or TMD) is the single most common reason for ongoing jaw pain. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that roughly 34% of the global population shows at least one sign of TMD, with Australian studies putting the figure at around 10% of adults experiencing it to a degree that affects their quality of life.

What does it feel like? A dull ache near the jaw joint. Clicking or popping when you open your mouth. Jaw stiffness first thing in the morning. Pain that gets worse with chewing. Sometimes it locks, and you can't open wide or close properly.

I see TMD in patients of all ages, but it's noticeably more common in women aged 25 to 45. The exact reason for that gap isn't fully understood, though hormonal factors and differences in pain processing likely play a role.

What causes TMD in the first place? It can be grinding, a misaligned bite, arthritis in the joint, trauma (even from something as simple as a big yawn), or chronic muscle tension. Often it's several of these stacking up.

If you've been dealing with clicking or stiffness in your jaw, our guide to dental solutions for TMD covers the treatment side in more detail.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the second big one. You grind or clench your teeth, usually while you're asleep (so you don't even know you're doing it), and you wake up with a sore jaw, sore teeth, or both.

I see a clear pattern with this at our Bradbury practice. Jaw pain cases from grinding tend to spike around HSC exam season, end-of-financial-year deadlines, and the weeks leading up to Christmas. Stress drives clenching. Most people don't realise they're doing it until the pain shows up or their partner tells them they can hear it at night.

Bruxism doesn't just cause jaw muscle pain. Over time, it wears down your teeth, cracks fillings, and puts constant pressure on your TMJ. The pain is often worse on one side, because most people favour one side when they clench.

A custom occlusal splint (night guard) is one of the most effective ways to manage bruxism. It doesn't stop you clenching, but it protects your teeth and takes the pressure off the joint. We've got a full article on how to manage teeth grinding naturally if you want the home-management side of things.

Dental Problems: Infections, Abscesses, and Wisdom Teeth

Sometimes jaw pain isn't about the jaw at all. It's a tooth.

A deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a dental abscess (a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth) can all send pain radiating into the jawbone. The nerves in your teeth are embedded directly in the mandible, so when a tooth gets inflamed, the whole area around it can ache.

Impacted wisdom teeth are another common culprit, especially in patients between 17 and 25. If a wisdom tooth is pushing sideways into the tooth next to it or can't break through the gum properly, the pressure can cause significant pain in the back of the jaw on one side.

How to tell if it's a tooth: the pain is usually sharper, more localised, and it gets worse when you bite down or when hot or cold food hits the area. If it's an abscess, you might notice swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or throbbing that doesn't let up.

If you think you might have a dental infection, don't wait on it. An untreated abscess can spread. We cover what to expect from root canal treatment on our services page, and our post on understanding toothache goes deeper on symptoms and home care while you wait for your appointment.

Sinus Infections and Colds

Your sinuses sit right above your upper jaw. So when they're inflamed or full of mucus (whether from a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection), the pressure pushes directly down onto your upper teeth and jaw.

Sinus-related jaw pain tends to feel like a dull, aching pressure across the upper jaw, sometimes on both sides, sometimes just one. It often gets worse when you bend forward or lie down, and it usually comes with other sinus symptoms: blocked nose, facial pressure, post-nasal drip, maybe a headache.

I mention this because I see patients fairly regularly who come in convinced they have a dental problem, and it turns out to be their sinuses. A quick examination of the teeth and a chat about their other symptoms usually sorts it out. If your jaw ache showed up at the same time as a cold, that's a strong clue.

Arthritis in the Jaw Joint

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect the temporomandibular joint. The cartilage disc inside the joint wears down, causing the bones to rub together. It causes stiffness, grinding noises (different from the pop or click of TMD), and a deep ache that gradually worsens over months or years.

Arthritis-related jaw pain is more common in patients over 50 and those who already have arthritis in other joints. I see this occasionally in long-term patients who've had TMD symptoms for years without management, and the joint has slowly broken down.

It's not the most common cause, but it's often overlooked.

Injury or Trauma

A blow to the face during sport. A car accident. Biting into something unexpectedly hard. Even a dramatic yawn that stretched the joint too far.

If your jaw hurts after an injury and you're having trouble opening or closing your mouth, that needs emergency dental attention. A dislocated or fractured jaw won't fix itself.

Less dramatic injuries (a bump during a weekend footy game, for instance) might cause soreness that settles in a few days with rest and soft foods. But if it's getting worse rather than better, get it checked.

Medications That Can Cause Jaw Clenching

This is one cause that almost nobody talks about, and none of the top-ranking articles on jaw pain mention it.

SSRIs and SNRIs, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in Australia, are associated with bruxism and jaw clenching. A 2020 study published in BMC Psychiatry found that people taking antidepressants were 10 times more likely to report bruxism compared to those on other types of medication. Sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and venlafaxine (Effexor) had the strongest association.

The effect typically appears within 2 to 4 weeks of starting the medication or increasing the dose, and it usually resolves within a few weeks of stopping.

I ask about medications whenever a patient comes in with new jaw pain that doesn't have an obvious cause. In my experience, about 1 in 5 patients with unexplained jaw clenching are on an SSRI or SNRI. If you've recently started or changed an antidepressant and you're waking up with a sore jaw, that connection is worth discussing with both your GP and your dentist.

This doesn't mean you should stop your medication. But an occlusal splint can protect your teeth while you and your doctor work out the best approach.

Why Does My Jaw Hurt on One Side?

One-sided jaw pain is extremely common. In fact, it's probably the version of this question I hear most: "My jaw hurts on the left side" or "The right side of my jaw aches near my ear."

The most likely causes of jaw pain on one side include:

• TMD affecting one joint more than the other. The two TMJs don't always degenerate at the same rate. You might have more wear on the left from a slightly uneven bite, and the pain shows up there first.

• A dental problem on one side. An abscess, a cracked molar, or an impacted wisdom tooth will only hurt on the side it's on.

• One-sided grinding patterns. Most bruxers favour one side. That side takes more punishment.

• A sinus infection that's worse on one side. If only your left sinus is blocked, the pressure sits on your left upper jaw.
  

If your jaw pain is only on one side and it's been going on for more than a few days, it's worth getting it looked at. One-sided pain with swelling, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth needs prompt attention.

Jaw Pain and Ear Pain: How to Tell Them Apart

Jaw pain near the ear is one of the most confusing overlaps in dental and medical care. The TMJ sits directly in front of the ear canal, so TMD, ear infections, and even referred pain from the neck can all feel like they're coming from the same spot.

Here's a quick guide to help you work out where the pain is most likely coming from:

Signs it's your jaw (TMD or dental):

• Pain gets worse when you chew, yawn, or open wide

• You hear clicking or popping when you move your jaw

• The pain is right in front of your ear or along the jawline

• Your teeth feel sore or you're waking up with jaw stiffness
  

Signs it's your ear:

• Pain is deep inside the ear canal

• You have muffled hearing, fluid, or a feeling of fullness

• Pain doesn't change with jaw movement

• You've recently had a cold or upper respiratory infection
  

Signs it's your sinuses:

• Dull pressure across the cheekbone and upper jaw

• Gets worse when you bend forward

• Blocked or runny nose

• Pain is on both sides (though it can be worse on one)
  

If you're not sure, start with your dentist. We can rule out TMD and dental causes quickly, and if it's looking like an ear or sinus issue, we'll point you in the right direction.

When Should You See a Dentist About Jaw Pain?

Most mild jaw pain, the kind that comes on after a stressful week or a particularly chewy meal, will settle on its own within a few days. But there are times when you shouldn't wait.

See a dentist or doctor if:

• Your jaw pain has lasted more than a week and isn't improving

• You can't open your mouth fully or your jaw is locking

• The pain is severe, sudden, or getting worse

• You have swelling in your face or jaw, especially on one side

• You have a fever along with jaw or facial pain

• You notice a lump or hard swelling along the jawbone

• The pain came on after an injury
  

And one more that's important to mention: jaw pain can occasionally be a symptom of a cardiac event, particularly in women. If you're experiencing sudden jaw pain (especially on the left side) along with chest tightness, shortness of breath, pain radiating down your arm, or nausea, call 000 immediately. This is a medical emergency, not a dental one.

What Happens at a Jaw Pain Appointment?

This is something patients always ask about but it rarely gets explained online. So here's what happens when you come to our Bradbury clinic with jaw pain.

First, we talk. I'll ask when the pain started, where exactly it is, what makes it better or worse, whether it's constant or comes and goes, and whether you've noticed any clicking, locking, or changes to your bite. I'll also ask about your stress levels, sleep habits, and medications.

Then we examine. I'll palpate (press gently on) the muscles around your jaw, including the masseter, temporalis, and the area just in front of your ears. I'll ask you to open and close, move your jaw side to side, and tell me if any of those movements reproduce the pain. I'll listen for clicks or crepitus (a gritty, grinding sound that can indicate arthritis in the joint).

We check your teeth. A thorough examination of your teeth and gums rules out dental causes like abscesses, cracks, or impacted wisdom teeth. I'll check your bite alignment to see if uneven contact is putting extra stress on one side.

Imaging if needed. A digital OPG x-ray (a panoramic x-ray that shows both jaw joints, all your teeth, and the surrounding bone) gives us a clear picture. Sometimes that's enough. In more complex cases, we might recommend a cone beam CT for a 3D view of the joint.

Then we talk again. Once I've got the full picture, I'll explain what's going on, what your options are, and what I'd recommend. For most jaw pain, treatment is conservative: splints, exercises, soft diet, stress management. Surgery is very rarely needed.

The whole process usually takes a single visit. Most patients tell me they wish they'd come in sooner.

How to Manage Jaw Pain at Home

If your jaw pain is mild and you're waiting for your appointment (or it's just started and you want to try managing it first), here are some things that can help:

Warm or cold compresses. A warm, damp cloth held against the jaw for 10 to 15 minutes relaxes tight muscles. Ice (wrapped in a cloth) helps with inflammation. Try both and see which gives you more relief.

Soft foods for a few days. Give your jaw a rest. Avoid anything that requires heavy chewing: crusty bread, steak, raw carrots, chewing gum. Stick with softer options while the pain settles.

Gentle jaw stretches. Slowly open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can, hold for 5 seconds, then close. Repeat 5 times, a few times a day. Don't force it.

Watch your posture. If you spend all day hunched over a laptop (and let's be honest, most of us do), your head tips forward and your jaw muscles have to work harder to keep your mouth closed. Sit upright, keep your screen at eye level, and let your jaw hang slightly open when you're not talking or eating.

Avoid wide opening. Don't test your jaw by opening as wide as you can. Skip the triple-stacked burger for now. And if you feel a yawn coming, support your jaw with your hand underneath.

Over-the-counter pain relief. Ibuprofen can help with both pain and inflammation. Follow the directions on the packet and don't use it long-term without speaking to your pharmacist or GP.

For more on the natural management side, our post on managing teeth grinding naturally covers relaxation techniques and habit changes in detail.

Jaw Pain and Stress: The Connection Most People Miss

I'd estimate that at least half the jaw pain cases I treat at our Bradbury and Campbelltown practice have a stress component. Sometimes stress is the main driver. Sometimes it's making an existing problem worse.

Here's what happens: when you're stressed, you tense your muscles. Your shoulders creep up, your neck tightens, and your jaw clenches. You might not notice it during the day because you're focused on whatever's causing the stress. But your jaw is holding tension for hours.

At night, it gets worse. Stress-related bruxism ramps up during sleep. You grind and clench without any conscious control.

The jaw pain cases I see tend to cluster around predictable times across the Macarthur region. HSC students and their parents show up in September and October. Small business owners come in around tax time. The weeks before Christmas bring in everyone. I've been practising long enough to see the pattern repeat year after year.

If you suspect stress is behind your jaw pain, address the stress alongside the jaw. Splints and stretches treat the symptom. Managing your stress treats the cause. Exercise, sleep, reduced caffeine, even just being aware that you're clenching during the day can make a real difference.

A quick self-check you can do right now: are your teeth touching? If they are, they shouldn't be. At rest, your lips should be closed but your teeth should be slightly apart, with your tongue resting gently on the roof of your mouth. If you caught yourself clenching just now, that tells you something.

Ready to Get Your Jaw Pain Sorted?

If your jaw pain has been hanging around for more than a week, if it's affecting your eating, sleep, or concentration, or if you just want a clear answer on what's causing it, it's worth getting it assessed.

We see jaw pain cases regularly at Bradbury Dental Surgery, and most of the time we can give you a clear diagnosis and a practical plan in a single visit. Whether it turns out to be TMD, grinding, a dental issue, or something else entirely, we'll explain what's going on and what your options are.

If grinding or TMD is the issue, our occlusal splint service is one of the most effective treatments. Patients from Camden, Narellan, Gregory Hills, and across the Macarthur region visit us for exactly this type of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a sign of something serious like a heart attack?

In rare cases, yes. Jaw pain, particularly on the left side, can be a symptom of a cardiac event. This is more common in women and is usually accompanied by other symptoms: chest pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arm or shoulder, nausea, or lightheadedness. If you experience these together, call 000 immediately. Most jaw pain, however, is caused by dental issues, TMD, or muscle tension.

Why does my jaw hurt on one side when I wake up?

Waking up with one-sided jaw pain is almost always linked to nighttime teeth grinding or clenching. Most people grind more heavily on one side, and the muscles and joint on that side take the brunt of it. An occlusal splint worn during sleep can reduce this significantly.

Can a sinus infection cause jaw pain?

Yes. The maxillary sinuses sit directly above your upper jaw, and when they're inflamed or congested, the pressure pushes down onto the upper teeth and jawbone. Sinus-related jaw pain usually comes with a blocked nose, facial pressure, and gets worse when you lean forward. It typically resolves as the sinus infection clears.

How long does jaw pain usually last?

That depends entirely on the cause. Jaw pain from a stressful week or a tough meal might settle in 2 to 5 days with rest and soft foods. TMD-related pain can last weeks or months without treatment. Dental infections won't resolve on their own and need professional treatment. If your jaw pain hasn't improved after a week, see a dentist.

Should I see a dentist or a doctor for jaw pain?

Start with your dentist. The most common causes of jaw pain (TMD, bruxism, dental problems) are all within a dentist's scope. We can examine the joint, check your teeth, take x-rays, and either treat the problem or refer you to the right person if it turns out to be something outside our area.

This content is for general information and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient's situation is different. If you're experiencing dental symptoms, please contact Bradbury Dental Surgery on (02) 4628 2151 or book online for a proper assessment.