Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is pain in the jaw joint, jaw muscles, or the area around the mouth and ears. Jaw pain is most often caused by the jaw joint, teeth grinding, or a tooth problem. Most jaw pain improves with rest and simple care.

What Is It

The jaw joint, called the TMJ, can become strained from clenching, grinding, chewing gum, or stress. Tooth infections, sinus infections, and ear problems can also cause jaw pain. Rarely, jaw pain can be a sign of a heart problem.

Symptoms

Aching pain in the jaw or in front of the ear
Pain when chewing or opening wide
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Jaw that feels stuck or locked
Headache or ear pain
Tender jaw muscles

Not sure what is causing it? Throbbing pain in one area with sensitivity to hot or cold may be a toothache. Pain deep in the ear may be an earache.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines your jaw, teeth, ears, and sinuses to find the cause. X-ray may be used after an injury. Jaw joint pain is treated with rest, pain relief, and sometimes a muscle relaxant. Tooth problems need a dentist.

At home:

Eat soft foods and avoid chewing gum
Apply heat or ice for 15 minutes at a time
Avoid opening the mouth very wide
Notice and relax clenching during the day

Most jaw joint pain improves within 1 to 2 weeks.

When to Get Care for Jaw Pain

Watch at Home

Mild jaw soreness after chewing or clenching
Pain that improves with rest and soft foods

Come to Urgent Care Today

Jaw pain lasting more than a week
Jaw pain after an injury
A jaw that locks or will not fully open
Jaw pain with facial swelling or fever

Go to the Emergency Department

Jaw pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating
Unable to close the mouth after an injury
Swelling spreading to the neck with trouble swallowing
Sudden jaw pain with weakness or numbness of the face

FAQ

What causes jaw pain?

Jaw pain is most often caused by strain of the jaw joint, teeth grinding, or a tooth problem. Ear and sinus problems can also cause pain in the jaw.

How do you relieve jaw pain?

Relieve jaw pain with soft foods, heat or ice, over the counter pain relievers, and avoiding gum and wide yawning. Relaxing clenched teeth helps too.

Why does my jaw hurt on one side?

Jaw pain on one side is often from the jaw joint, a tooth infection, or grinding while sleeping. An ear infection on that side can also cause it.

Can stress cause jaw pain?

Yes, stress can cause jaw pain by leading to clenching and grinding, which strain the jaw joint and muscles. Relaxation and a night guard may help.

Can urgent care treat jaw pain?

Yes, urgent care can evaluate jaw pain. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the jaw, teeth, and ears to look for the cause. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is jaw pain an emergency?

Jaw pain is an emergency when it comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating, or when you cannot close your mouth after an injury.

Last reviewed October 2026