How to Manage Jaw Pain

Jake Newby

| 4 min read

Medically reviewed by Margaret Hepke, D.O.

Any time we smile, laugh, chew food and talk we exert our jaw muscles. When those muscles ache, normally effortless facial movements like these can become painful.
More than 10 million people in the United States lives with jaw pain, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), making it a common issue. Bruxism (teeth grinding), gum disease and abscessed teeth are the most common causes of jaw pain. In some cases, jaw pain is a symptom of a more serious issue, such as a dislocated jaw or heart problem.
Additionally, pain and other issues associated with the temporomandibular joint can cause jaw pain. Here’s what to know about that joint and what you can do to manage jaw pain you are experiencing.

What is temporomandibular joint and muscle dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular joint and muscle dysfunction (TMJ) is a group of disorders that can cause jaw pain, headaches and make it difficult to open and close the mouth. Temporomandibular disorders sometimes start after an injury, but don’t always have an obvious cause. They can lead to symptoms like:
  • Painful clicking and locking in the jaw
  • Headaches
  • Stiffness
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Neck pain
  • Ringing in the ears
While everyone has temporomandibular joints, not everyone with jaw pain has TMJ dysfunction. If you have any of these symptoms, talk with your health care provider, who will ask you questions about symptoms and examine your head, neck, face and jaw to diagnose a TMJ disorder. They’ll also check your dental and medical history and may suggest X-rays. 

When should I be concerned about jaw pain?

Your jaw pain may go away on its own after a handful of days, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, you should reach out to your health care provider if it lasts longer than a week. Jaw pain can be considered a medical emergency if:
  • You believe you broke or dislocated your jaw.
  • You have pain that spreads from your chest to your jaw, indicating a possible heart attack.

Tips to manage jaw pain

Mild cases of jaw pain can be managed at home. Here are preventative measures you can take to alleviate jaw pain.
Use a hot compress: heat therapy may sooth jaw pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area. Try heating up a pad, towel or microwavable pack and applying it to your jaw for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Keep an unheated layer between the compress and your skin for safety.
Perform gentle stretches: exercising your jaw can lead to increased mobility in the temporomandibular joints. Try stretch and relaxation exercises, including Rocabado’s “6x6 exercises,” a series of TMJ pain relief exercises that are well known in the physical therapy community. They involve tongue, chin, shoulder and neck movements and can be viewed here.
Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): these include aspirin and ibuprofen. Advil is a leading name-brand NSAID.
Avoid facial movements and habits that can affect your jaw: Certain habits that may be second nature to us can increase jaw pain. Try avoiding:
  • Biting your nails
  • Chewing your cheeks or lips
  • Clenching your jaw muscles
  • Clenching your teeth
  • Pushing your tongue against your teeth
  • Resting your jaw in your hand
Eat certain foods and avoid others: Lay off crunchy or hard foods and chewing gum while experiencing jaw pain. Focus on taking smaller bites of the food you do eat and try to avoid foods that require prolonged chewing, such as steak.
Take care of your teeth: Poor dental health can be a cause of jaw pain, as untreated cavities and gum disease can start causing problems for your jaw. Brush and floss daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.
If you have jaw pain-related symptoms that last longer than three months, your dentist or primary care provider may refer you to a specialist. Doctors who specialize in muscles and bones, arthritis, pain, and the nervous system may be able to help, according to the NIH. Surgery may also become an option at this time. 
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