Waking up with jaw pain or feeling tightness when you chew isn’t something to ignore. While jaw soreness can have several causes, it’s often connected to underlying dental issues — and getting the right diagnosis early can prevent long-term discomfort or damage.
Here’s what you need to know about jaw pain, what it might mean, and when to book a visit with your dentist.
Common Dental Causes of Jaw Pain
🦷 1. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
One of the most common causes of a sore jaw is bruxism — the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth include:
- Morning jaw stiffness or pain
- Headaches (especially in the temples)
- Worn-down or chipped teeth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
Custom night guards are often recommended to protect your teeth and reduce strain on your jaw muscles.
🦷 2. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD)
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. When it becomes irritated or misaligned, it can cause:
- Jaw soreness or tension
- Clicking, popping, or locking when opening your mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain that radiates to the ears, neck, or head
TMJ issues can be triggered by stress, jaw misalignment, arthritis, or trauma.
🦷 3. Tooth Infections or Abscesses
Pain from a decayed or infected tooth can radiate to the jawbone, especially if the infection has spread. This type of jaw pain is often:
- Throbbing and localized
- Accompanied by swelling, fever, or bad breath
- Sensitive to pressure or heat
This is considered a dental emergency and should be treated promptly to prevent serious complications.
🦷 4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth haven’t fully erupted (especially in your late teens or early 20s), they can press against the surrounding teeth or jaw, causing:
- Jaw stiffness or dull aches
- Swelling at the back of the mouth
- Occasional headaches or difficulty opening the mouth fully
Your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction if they’re impacted or causing frequent discomfort.
Other Possible Causes (Non-Dental)
While jaw pain is often dental-related, other causes include:
- Sinus infections (especially if the pain is near the upper jaw)
- Arthritis in the jaw joint
- Stress or anxiety, leading to muscle tension
- Injury from sports or accidents
If your dentist rules out dental causes, they may refer you to a medical professional for further evaluation.
When to See a Dentist
Book a dental visit if:
- Your jaw pain lasts more than a few days
- You have difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
- You experience clicking, locking, or grinding sounds in your jaw
- The pain is worsening or interfering with daily activities
- You have other dental symptoms like tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity
Your dentist can examine your bite, jaw movement, and overall oral health to determine the root cause.
Treatment Options
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Custom night guards to reduce clenching
- TMJ therapy (jaw exercises, bite adjustments, or splints)
- Tooth repair or root canal treatment
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Anti-inflammatory medications or heat therapy for joint pain
Final Thoughts
A sore jaw isn’t something to brush off — especially if it’s recurring or disrupting your daily life. Many jaw issues are connected to your dental health, and with proper care, they can be treated effectively and comfortably.
Dealing with jaw pain? Let’s get to the root of it.
Our team offers personalized care for jaw discomfort, TMJ issues, teeth grinding, and more. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward relief and recovery.