Jaw pain is a dental emergency when it comes with facial swelling, fever, trouble opening your mouth, or after an injury. It is often caused by a tooth infection, wisdom teeth, grinding or a problem with the jaw joint. But pain in the jaw with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating can be a heart attack, so call 000 straight away.
If you’re not sure how urgent a mouth or tooth problem is, see what counts as a dental emergency. Below are the warning signs, the common causes and what you can do.
Call 000 first for these warning signs
Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder or arm together with chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or dizziness can be a sign of a heart attack. Call 000 immediately. Don’t drive yourself to hospital and don’t wait to see if it passes. Heart attack symptoms can be vague, particularly in women, older people and people with diabetes.
Also call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling spreading to the eye, neck or floor of the mouth
- a possible broken or dislocated jaw, such as after a fall, a punch or a sports collision
- a jaw stuck open that you can’t close
- bleeding that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure
- a knock to the head with loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion
Signs of a broken jaw include teeth that suddenly don’t meet properly, numbness of the lower lip or chin, bruising under the tongue, and pain or difficulty moving the jaw. Support the jaw gently with your hand or a scarf while you travel, and don’t try to push it back into place yourself.
If you’re over 50 and have new pain in the jaw when chewing along with headache, scalp tenderness or changes to your vision, see a doctor the same day. For advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Common dental causes of jaw pain
Once serious medical causes are ruled out, most pain in this area has a dental or jaw-joint cause.
Tooth infection
An abscessed tooth can cause a deep, throbbing ache that spreads into the jaw, ear or neck. You might notice swelling, a bad taste, tenderness when biting or a fever. Dental infections don’t clear up on their own and can spread, so see a dentist urgently. Antibiotics alone don’t remove the source, and they should only be taken when prescribed.
Wisdom teeth
A partly erupted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria under the gum flap, causing pericoronitis. The gum at the back of the mouth becomes swollen and sore, and it can be painful to open wide or swallow. Warm salty rinses can help in the short term, but repeated flare-ups are a common reason for wisdom tooth removal.
Grinding and clenching
Many people grind or clench during sleep or under stress without realising. Clues include a tired, aching jaw in the morning, headaches at the temples, worn or chipped teeth and tender cheek muscles. It is rarely an emergency, but it is worth having checked.
Jaw joint (TMJ) problems
The temporomandibular joint sits just in front of each ear. Problems here can cause aching around the ear, clicking or popping, pain when chewing and difficulty opening fully. Symptoms often come and go and usually improve with simple care.
A locked jaw
If your jaw suddenly catches and you can only open part of the way, it may be a disc problem in the joint. This is usually not dangerous but should be seen soon. If your jaw is stuck open and won’t close, it may be dislocated and needs hospital care. Difficulty opening with swelling and fever can mean a spreading infection and is also urgent.
Other causes
Sinus infections can make the upper back teeth and cheeks ache. Earaches and nerve conditions can also feel like jaw or tooth pain, which is why your dentist will examine carefully and may refer you to your doctor.
What you can do at home
- Eat soft foods, cut food into small pieces and avoid chewing gum, tough meat and hard foods.
- Avoid opening very wide. Support your chin with your hand when you yawn.
- If there is swelling, hold ice wrapped in a cloth against the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time. Don’t apply heat to a swollen face.
- For muscle tightness without swelling or signs of infection, a warm compress on the jaw muscles may feel soothing.
- Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the pack, may help if it’s safe for you.
- Try to notice clenching during the day and rest your jaw with lips together and teeth slightly apart.
If the pain is getting worse, keeping you awake, or comes with swelling or fever, don’t wait it out.
How a dentist can help
Our emergency dentist in North Sydney aims to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine your teeth, gums, jaw muscles and joints, and take X-rays if needed. Depending on the cause, care may include:
- draining an infection and root canal therapy or removing the affected tooth
- cleaning around an inflamed wisdom tooth, and discussing extraction if flare-ups keep returning
- a night guard to protect teeth and ease pressure from grinding
- advice on jaw exercises and habits, and referral to a doctor or physiotherapist where helpful
Your dentist will explain your options, the likely costs and any risks before treatment begins. People in North Sydney with ongoing jaw discomfort are welcome to call for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tooth infection cause jaw pain?
Yes. An infected tooth can cause pain that spreads to the jaw, ear or neck, often with swelling, a bad taste or fever. See a dentist urgently, and call 000 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing or the swelling is spreading.
How do I know if jaw discomfort could be a heart attack?
Be concerned if jaw, neck or arm pain comes with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or dizziness, or if it comes on with exertion. Call 000 immediately rather than waiting to see if it settles.
What should I do if my jaw is locked?
If your jaw is stuck open and won’t close, go to a hospital emergency department. If it catches and won’t open fully, eat soft foods, avoid forcing it and see your dentist soon.
Can wisdom teeth make my jaw sore?
Yes. An inflamed gum around a partly erupted wisdom tooth can cause pain at the back of the jaw, swelling and difficulty opening. Warm salty rinses may help in the short term, but see a dentist if it doesn’t settle or you have swelling.
Need help now?
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.