Jaw pain

Jaw pain can be difficult to localise. Dental assessment may be needed to rule out tooth or gum causes, while jaw joint or medical causes may need other professional care.

• Toothache, dental abscess, gum problems or wisdom tooth inflammation.
• Teeth grinding, clenching or muscle tension.
• Temporomandibular disorder symptoms such as clicking or locking.
• Trauma, arthritis, sinus or ear-related pain in some cases.

• Avoid hard chewing if it worsens pain.
• Note whether pain is linked with tooth symptoms, clicking or mouth opening.
• Seek advice if symptoms are worsening or limiting function.

• Do not force the jaw open or closed.
• Do not ignore jaw pain after injury.
• Do not assume every jaw pain is a jaw joint disorder.

• Jaw pain is linked with toothache, biting pain, swelling or a bad taste.
• Grinding, clenching or tooth wear may be contributing.
• Pain affects chewing or is not settling.

• Jaw pain appears with facial swelling, fever, dental abscess symptoms or difficulty opening the mouth.
• A wisdom tooth area is swollen or painful.
• Severe dental pain is affecting sleep or daily life.

• Assess teeth, gums, bite, jaw muscles and jaw movement.
• Take X-rays or refer for further assessment where clinically appropriate.
• Discuss dental treatment, jaw advice or medical referral depending on findings.