Relieving Jaw Pain: Causes, Relief & When to See a Dentist

April 22, 2024
| Calvin Bennet

Written by Calvin Bennet · Updated September 2026

Jaw pain is most often caused by tension in the jaw muscles and joint — usually from a TMJ disorder, teeth grinding or clenching, or stress — not by anything structural. Most jaw pain eases with simple at-home care like soft foods, warm or cold compresses, and relaxing the jaw. Pain that’s severe, that locks your jaw, or that comes with swelling or fever needs a dentist or doctor.

What causes jaw pain?

Most jaw pain traces back to the muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull. The usual culprits:

TMJ disorders (TMD) — problems with the jaw joint and its muscles, and the most common source of ongoing jaw pain. They can cause aching, clicking or popping, and tightness.
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) — often during sleep, this overworks the jaw muscles and is a leading cause of morning jaw soreness. See how to stop grinding your teeth.
Stress and muscle tension — many people clench their jaw without realizing it when stressed.
Dental problems — an infected or abscessed tooth can radiate pain into the jaw (see why your tooth might hurt).
Injury or arthritis affecting the joint.
A misaligned bite, in some cases — more on that below.

How to relieve jaw pain at home

For everyday jaw pain from muscle tension or grinding, these usually help:

Eat soft foods and cut food into small pieces to rest the joint.
Apply a warm or cold compress to the sore area for 10–15 minutes.
Relax your jaw — keep your lips together but your teeth slightly apart, and catch yourself when you’re clenching.
Try gentle jaw stretches and massage to ease muscle tension.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Avoid gum, and hard or chewy foods that overwork the joint.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth — it eases the strain on your jaw.

When jaw pain is structural

Sometimes jaw pain comes from a genuinely misaligned bite or a jaw injury rather than muscle tension. A bite that doesn’t line up, an old fracture, or a developmental issue can strain the jaw over time. Signs that point more toward a structural cause include facial asymmetry, a jaw that locks or won’t open fully, or teeth that no longer meet properly. In these cases an orthodontist or oral surgeon can evaluate whether treatment — from a bite appliance to, in severe cases, corrective surgery — is needed.

When to see a dentist or doctor

Jaw pain that lasts more than a week or two, or keeps coming back
A jaw that locks, or that you can’t open or close normally
Pain with swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing
Pain that started after an injury
Clicking or popping with pain (occasional painless clicking is usually harmless)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my jaw hurt?

Most jaw pain comes from the muscles and the jaw joint (TMJ), often due to teeth grinding, clenching, or stress. Dental infections, injury, and arthritis are other causes.

How do I relieve jaw pain fast?

Rest the jaw with soft foods, apply a warm or cold compress, keep your teeth slightly apart to relax the muscles, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. See a dentist if it persists.

Can teeth grinding cause jaw pain?

Yes. Grinding and clenching overwork the jaw muscles and are a very common cause of jaw soreness, especially in the morning. A custom night guard can help.

When should I see someone about jaw pain?

If it lasts more than a week or two, locks your jaw, follows an injury, or comes with swelling or fever, see a dentist or doctor.