Jaw pain on one side can make everyday activities such as chewing, talking, or yawning uncomfortable. The pain may feel like an ache near your ear, tenderness along the jaw, or discomfort around a specific tooth. Some people notice it after waking up, while others feel it mainly when eating.
Because your teeth, jaw joints, muscles, and nearby tissues are closely connected, several problems can cause similar symptoms. Understanding the most common causes can help you know when simple home care may be enough and when it is time to see a dentist.
What Causes Jaw Pain on One Side?
One-sided jaw pain can come from the teeth, jaw joint, or surrounding muscles. Common causes include:
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
- Tooth decay or infection
- A cracked or damaged tooth
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Muscle strain
- Sinus pressure
- A recent jaw injury
Less commonly, nerve conditions, arthritis, or salivary gland problems may also cause pain around the jaw. The location of the pain can provide clues, but symptoms often overlap. A dental evaluation may be needed if the discomfort continues or worsens.
Can a Tooth Infection Cause Jaw Pain on One Side?
An infected tooth can cause pain that spreads into the surrounding jaw. Deep decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection inside the tooth may eventually lead to a dental abscess.
Signs that the pain may be coming from a tooth include:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Throbbing tooth pain
- Swelling around a tooth or gum
- A persistent bad taste or drainage
- Fever with dental pain
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can also cause soreness near the back of the jaw. A dentist may use an examination and dental X-rays, when needed, to look for decay, infection, or problems around the tooth roots. Seek urgent medical care if swelling begins to affect your breathing or swallowing.
Can TMJ or Teeth Grinding Cause One-Sided Jaw Pain?
Your temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and help you open and close your mouth. Problems involving these joints or the surrounding muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders, or TMD.
Possible symptoms include:
- Pain near the jaw joint or ear
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain when chewing
- Limited jaw movement
- Painful clicking or popping
Jaw sounds without pain are common and do not always require treatment. Teeth grinding or clenching can also strain the jaw muscles. This often happens during sleep, which is why some people wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or tight facial muscles.
If grinding is affecting your teeth, a dentist may recommend a custom night guard to help protect them.
Why Does My Jaw Hurt on One Side When Chewing?
Pain that appears or becomes worse while chewing can come from either a tooth or the jaw joint.
For example, pain when biting on one particular tooth may be associated with decay, a crack, inflammation, or infection. Pain closer to the ear that occurs with jaw movement may be related to the temporomandibular joint or chewing muscles.
Until the cause is identified, choosing softer foods and avoiding gum or very chewy foods may reduce strain on the area. If chewing consistently causes pain, especially in the same location, schedule a dental examination rather than continuing to avoid the painful side.
Can Jaw Pain on One Side Be a Heart Attack?
Most jaw pain is related to dental, joint, or muscle problems. However, jaw discomfort can occasionally occur as part of a heart attack. The American Heart Association lists discomfort in the jaw among possible heart attack warning signs.
Call 911 immediately if jaw pain occurs with symptoms such as:
- Chest pressure, squeezing, or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Pain spreading to the arm, back, or neck
Do not wait for a dental appointment if the symptoms could be heart-related.
How Can You Relieve Jaw Pain at Home?
Mild jaw discomfort may improve with a few temporary changes, particularly when muscle strain or jaw-joint irritation is involved.
You can try:
- Eating softer foods for a few days
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Taking smaller bites
- Applying a warm or cold compress
- Avoiding unusually wide mouth opening
- Reducing habits such as jaw clenching or nail biting
An over-the-counter pain reliever may also help when it is safe for you to take and used according to the label. These measures can make the area more comfortable, but they will not treat problems such as tooth decay, an abscess, or a cracked tooth.
When Should You See a Dentist for Jaw Pain?
Schedule a dental visit if the pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or interferes with eating and normal jaw movement.
You should also contact a dentist if you notice:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Swelling around the jaw or gums
- Pain that worsens when biting
- Fever with dental symptoms
- Difficulty opening your mouth normally
- Persistent painful clicking or jaw stiffness
A dentist can examine the teeth, gums, jaw movement, and surrounding tissues to help determine whether the problem is dental, related to the jaw joint, or needs further medical evaluation.
Conclusion
Jaw pain on one side can have several causes, including a dental infection, TMD, teeth grinding, or muscle strain. Paying attention to when the pain occurs and whether it is accompanied by tooth sensitivity, swelling, or difficulty moving the jaw can provide useful clues. Mild discomfort may improve with temporary home care, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be examined. Getting the cause identified is the best way to determine what treatment, if any, is needed.
Schedule a Jaw Pain Evaluation
If your jaw pain isn’t improving or you are concerned it may be coming from a tooth or jaw joint, Bright Smiles Family Dentistry can help identify the likely cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Call (919) 205-0640 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rouhani or Dr. Hartman at 801 US-70 #101, Garner, NC 27529.
FAQs
Why does my jaw hurt on one side near my ear?
Pain near the ear may come from the temporomandibular joint, surrounding muscles, or a nearby dental problem. If the pain continues, worsens with jaw movement, or comes with other symptoms, a dental examination can help determine the cause.
Why does my jaw hurt on one side when I wake up?
Morning jaw pain is commonly associated with nighttime teeth grinding or clenching. You may also notice headaches, tight jaw muscles, tooth sensitivity, or signs of tooth wear.
Can a cavity cause jaw pain on one side?
Yes. A deep cavity can irritate or infect the inside of a tooth, causing pain that may spread into the surrounding jaw. Pain while biting, temperature sensitivity, or swelling near a tooth are reasons to have a dentist check the area.
