Overview

Jaw pain on one side can range from mild stiffness to sharp, radiating discomfort. It may affect one or both temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. These joints allow you to talk, chew, and swallow—so any irritation or pain can quickly interfere with daily life.

While occasional soreness may resolve on its own, persistent or severe one-sided jaw pain may indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment. Common causes include TMJ disorders, dental problems, infections, or nerve irritation.

Common Causes of Jaw Pain on One Side

Below are the most frequent reasons you might experience jaw pain affecting one side of your face.

1. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs)

Temporomandibular joint disorders involve irritation or dysfunction of the TMJ and surrounding muscles, ligaments, or nerves.
TMDs are among the most common causes of one-sided jaw pain, affecting millions of adults worldwide.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Limited jaw movement or locking

  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth

  • Facial tenderness and stiffness

  • Headaches, neck, or shoulder pain

  • Difficulty chewing

TMD can develop from jaw misalignment, injury, teeth grinding (bruxism), or arthritis.

2. Dental Problems

Oral and dental issues are frequent triggers of one-sided jaw pain.
These problems can create radiating discomfort from the teeth or gums into the jaw joint.

Common dental causes include:

  • Tooth decay or abscess: Infections at the root can cause deep, throbbing pain.

  • Wisdom teeth impaction: When wisdom teeth grow in incorrectly, they can compress nerves and cause swelling.

  • Gum disease (periodontitis): In advanced stages, infection can spread to the jawbone.

  • Misaligned bite: Overbites, underbites, or uneven teeth can strain jaw muscles.

Additional symptoms may include tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, and bad breath.

3. Sinusitis

Inflamed sinuses (from allergies or infections) can cause pressure and pain that radiate to the cheeks, forehead, and jaw.
This pain often feels like dull aching or heaviness on one side of the face.

Other signs of sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion

  • Headache or facial tenderness

  • Fever and fatigue

  • Cough or sore throat

Most cases improve with rest, hydration, and decongestants, though chronic sinusitis may require medical care.

4. Injury or Trauma

Physical trauma—like a fall, sports injury, or car accident—can damage the jawbone or TMJ.
The two most common injuries are jaw fractures and dislocations.

Symptoms of a jaw fracture:

  • Pain that worsens with movement

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Difficulty chewing or closing your mouth

Symptoms of dislocation:

  • Inability to close the mouth

  • Drooling or slurred speech

  • Misaligned teeth

Seek immediate medical attention for suspected fractures or severe dislocations.

5. Infections

Bacterial or viral infections in or near the jaw can cause throbbing, pulsating pain that worsens with chewing.
Swelling, redness, and fever often accompany infection.

Types of infections that may cause jaw pain:

  • Gum infections (periodontitis)

  • Tooth abscesses

  • Ear infections

  • Osteomyelitis (infection in the jawbone)

Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent spreading.

6. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely painful nerve condition where the trigeminal nerve becomes compressed or irritated.
Pain is often described as sudden electric shocks or stabbing sensations on one side of the face.

Common triggers include:

  • Talking, smiling, or brushing teeth

  • Exposure to wind

  • Light touch or facial movement

Episodes can last seconds or minutes but may occur many times per day. Medications or surgical interventions are sometimes required for relief.

7. Other Medical Conditions

Several systemic conditions may also cause jaw pain:

  • Heart attack: Pain radiating to one or both jaws, especially with chest tightness, shortness of breath, or nausea, requires emergency attention.

  • Arthritis: Rheumatoid, psoriatic, or osteoarthritis can wear down cartilage in the jaw joint.

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA): Inflammation of blood vessels causes jaw stiffness and fatigue when chewing.

  • Osteonecrosis: Reduced blood flow leads to bone tissue death and jaw swelling.

  • Myofascial pain syndrome: Trigger points in facial muscles cause chronic tenderness and tightness.

  • Oral cancer: Persistent swelling or difficulty moving the jaw may indicate malignancy.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

You should seek professional evaluation if:

  • Jaw pain lasts longer than two weeks

  • You have difficulty opening or closing your mouth

  • Facial swelling or fever develops

  • Pain spreads to your ear or neck

  • Chewing, talking, or swallowing becomes painful

Call emergency services immediately if jaw pain occurs alongside chest pain, dizziness, or nausea, as these can signal a heart attack.

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers or dentists diagnose jaw pain through physical exams, imaging, and lab tests.

Common diagnostic methods include:

  • Physical exam: Evaluating jaw movement, clicking, or muscle tenderness.

  • X-rays or MRI: Identify TMJ damage, bone fractures, or inflammation.

  • CT scans: Provide a detailed look at joint alignment and bone structure.

  • Blood tests: Detect infections, autoimmune disorders, or arthritis.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of pain.

At-home remedies:

  • Apply warm or cold compresses.

  • Eat soft foods to reduce strain.

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen).

  • Perform gentle jaw exercises as advised by a healthcare professional.

Medical treatments:

  • Prescription anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, or antibiotics for infections.

  • Mouthguards or splints to reduce TMJ stress and prevent teeth grinding.

  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and restore function.

  • Dental correction for bite misalignment or infected teeth.

  • Botox injections for chronic muscle tension or myofascial pain.

Surgery may be necessary in severe or persistent cases.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.

  • Maintain good posture, especially when using electronic devices.

  • Reduce stress with relaxation techniques.

  • Wear mouth protection during sports.

  • Keep up with regular dental checkups.

Living With Jaw Pain

Occasional jaw discomfort is normal and often improves with rest and care.
However, if jaw pain becomes chronic, identifying the root cause and following a consistent treatment plan can restore comfort and function.
Managing habits like teeth grinding, improving diet, and seeking timely medical help can prevent long-term damage.