Do you have a sore jaw?

Jaw pain can range from a mild, uncomfortable, dull ache to a debilitating condition that disrupts your ability to eat, speak, or smile. It may be caused by issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, arthritis, bruxism (teeth grinding), or even an injury. The symptoms can vary in intensity and include:

Facial Pain: Persistent discomfort that may radiate to your neck and shoulders.
Frequent Headaches: Tension headaches linked to strained jaw muscles.
Sharp or Shooting Pain: Intense pain during chewing or speaking that interferes with daily activities.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when moving your jaw, which could signal joint issues.
Tenderness or Tension: Sensitivity around the jaw area that makes it painful to touch.
Jaw Stiffness: Difficulty opening your mouth fully, affecting your ability to eat and perform routine oral care.

Over time, untreated jaw pain can intensify and impact your overall quality of life.

Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

At Dental On Magill, our experienced dental professionals are dedicated to diagnosing and treating jaw pain with personalized care. We employ advanced diagnostic techniques and tailored treatment plans to help alleviate discomfort and restore proper jaw function.

Take Action Today!

If you’re experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, don’t wait—contact Dental On Magill now to schedule a consultation. Let us help you achieve a healthier, pain-free jaw and improve your quality of life.

What causes sore jaws?

Teeth grinding or clenching are the most common causes of jaw pain, and can also cause severe damage to your teeth (also see “Discoloured, chipped, worn or crooked teeth?”. A lot of people grind their teeth at night and may therefore not be aware of it, or they clench their jaws in stressful situations.
Temporomanibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD) is a common cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are the joints on either side of your jaw, allowing jaw movement (see “Difficulty eating?”). When the TMJ becomes damaged it can cause pain, difficulty while chewing, and difficulty opening or closing your jaw. Other than grinding and clenching, arthritis or trauma (e.g. getting hit by something) can cause damage to the TMJ and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
Other causes of jaw pain include cluster headaches, sinus problems, tooth pain linked to tooth infections, trigeminal neuralgia, and a heart attack (especially women may experience jaw pain during a heart attack).

What should I do when I have sore jaws?

To determine the cause of your jaw pain, see your dentist. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to relieve sore jaws:

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to reduce soreness.
Massaging the sore areas can relieve some tension.
Applying heat or ice packs (covered in a cloth) on the sore areas for 10 minutes can relieve pain. Heat helps to relax the tight muscles, whereas an ice pack will reduce inflammation.

Long term habits to reduce the soreness of the jaws can include stress reduction techniques (if your problems are caused by grinding or clenching) such as yoga or meditation. Other strategies include the avoidance of chewy foods to relieve the jaw joint, and the avoidance of caffeine, which may contribute to muscle tension.

What treatments are available for sore jaws?

When your sore jaws are caused by grinding or clenching, a mouth guard can be custom fitted at your dentist and can stop you from grinding your teeth (see “Discoloured, chipped, worn or crooked teeth?”). When this doesn’t work, muscle relaxers can be prescribed to help relax your TMJ. In some cases, more invasive treatment may be required, such as botox injections (to help relax the muscles), or jaw surgery when there are structural problems in the joint.