Jaw pain is common. Most of it comes from the jaw joint and the muscles that move it, from clenching or grinding the teeth, or from a tooth. This guide explains the usual causes, what helps at home, and which health professional to see.
What causes jaw pain?
- Jaw joint and muscle problems. The temporomandibular joints sit just in front of each ear. Problems with the joints or the chewing muscles are called TMJ dysfunction, and nearly half of all people have some jaw dysfunction at some stage.
- Clenching and grinding. Grinding the teeth, often during sleep or at times of stress, overworks the jaw muscles. See teeth grinding treatment.
- Dental problems. An infected tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth or a cracked tooth can cause pain that is felt in the jaw.
- Injury or arthritis. A knock to the jaw, or arthritis in the joint, can cause lasting pain.
- Sinus and ear problems. These can cause pain that seems to come from the jaw.
Symptoms of a jaw joint problem
- pain in the jaw, face or in front of the ear, often worse when chewing
- clicking, popping or grating when you open or close your mouth
- a jaw that locks or does not open fully
- tired, tight jaw muscles, especially on waking
- headaches at the temples, earache or ringing in the ears
Clicking without pain is common and usually needs no treatment.
What helps jaw pain at home?
- Eat soft food and cut food into small pieces.
- Avoid chewing gum, biting your nails and chewing pens.
- Avoid opening your mouth very wide, for example when yawning.
- Notice when you are clenching during the day and let your teeth come apart.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the pack, if it is suitable for you.
Who should I see for jaw pain?
- Dentist. A dentist can check whether a tooth is the cause, look for signs of grinding, and make a custom night guard to protect the teeth and rest the jaw.
- GP. Your doctor can assess the joint, rule out other causes and prescribe medicine if needed.
- Physiotherapist. A physiotherapist can teach jaw exercises and treat the muscles.
- Specialist. Persistent or severe joint problems may be referred to an oral medicine specialist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
How is jaw pain treated?
Most jaw joint and muscle pain settles with simple measures: rest, soft food, pain relief, exercises and managing clenching. A night guard is often used where grinding is involved. If a tooth is the cause, treating the tooth resolves the pain. Surgery is rarely needed.
When is jaw pain urgent?
See a dentist or doctor promptly if you have swelling of the face, a fever, or cannot open your mouth. Call triple zero (000) if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or pain spreading to the arm, as these can be signs of a heart attack. Seek urgent help if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
FAQs
Can a dentist treat jaw pain?
Often, yes. A dentist can treat dental causes and provide a night guard for grinding, and will refer you if another professional is better placed to help.
Does jaw pain go away by itself?
Much of it does within a few weeks with self-care. Pain that lasts, keeps returning or stops you eating normally should be assessed.
Can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain?
Yes. An impacted or infected wisdom tooth is a common cause of pain at the back of the jaw. See wisdom teeth removal.
Jaw pain assessment in Penrith
If your jaw is sore, clicking painfully or tired in the mornings, book an appointment at Penrith Dental Care or call (02) 4733 1197.
Source: Healthdirect Australia, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (last reviewed November 2025). This article is general information only and does not replace an assessment with a registered dental practitioner.
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
Reviewed by Mina Gibryal, Penrith Dental Care, October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.