Jaw pain can be uncomfortable, distracting, and even alarming, especially when it shows up on just one side of your face. While one-sided jaw pain is fairly common, it can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from minor habits to more serious dental or joint issues. Understanding the possible reasons can help you know when to seek professional care.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
One of the most common causes of one-sided jaw pain is a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain on one or both sides, but many people experience it on just one side. Symptoms may include jaw clicking or popping, difficulty opening your mouth, headaches, or pain that radiates to the ear or neck. TMJ issues are often linked to stress, teeth grinding, or jaw misalignment.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Bruxism—grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep—can put excessive pressure on one side of your jaw. If you tend to favor one side while chewing or clenching, that side may become sore or inflamed. Over time, grinding can strain the jaw muscles and joints, leading to localized pain, stiffness, and even tooth wear.
Dental Problems on One Side
Sometimes the issue isn’t your jaw joint at all, but a dental problem affecting one side of your mouth. Cavities, abscessed teeth, cracked teeth, or gum infections can all cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the jaw. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or erupting unevenly can also trigger one-sided jaw discomfort.
Sinus or Ear Issues
The jaw sits close to the sinuses and ears, so problems in those areas can cause referred pain. A sinus infection or inflammation may create pressure that feels like jaw pain on one side, especially near the upper jaw. Ear infections or inner ear inflammation can also cause discomfort that radiates to the jaw joint.
Injury or Muscle Strain
Jaw pain on one side can result from physical strain or trauma. This may include chewing gum excessively, yawning widely, dental procedures that require keeping your mouth open for a long time, or even sleeping in an awkward position. Sports injuries or accidents can also injure the jaw muscles or joint.
When to See a Dentist or Doctor
If your jaw pain lasts more than a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, difficulty opening your mouth, or ear pain, it’s important to seek professional care. A dentist can determine whether the cause is dental-related or if further evaluation is needed.
One-sided jaw pain can have many causes, from TMJ disorders to dental infections or muscle strain. Identifying the source early can help prevent the pain from becoming chronic and ensure you get the right treatment for lasting relief.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Daaboul earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. Over the course of his 2-decade career, he’s taken dozens of hours of continuing education each year, often through the renowned Spear Education. Dr. Daaboul is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate – schedule an appointment online or call (817) 646-7306.