Therapeutics: When the Jaw Muscles Feel Like a Toothache

You're not alone if you’ve ever felt a throbbing pain in your jaw that feels like a toothache. Jaw muscle pain can sometimes mimic a dental issue, but in reality, the cause might be something entirely different. 

The sensation can range from dull and nagging to sharp and intense, often leaving you wondering if it’s a tooth problem. In many cases, it’s not. 

At Complete Dental Arts in Newnan, Georgia,  Charley Cheney, DMD, and the team can help you understand how to deal with your jaw pain. Here’s a closer look at why your jaw muscles may hurt like a toothache and how you can find relief.

Understanding jaw muscle pain 

Your jaw muscles handle essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When these muscles are overworked, tense, or inflamed, they can trigger pain that feels like a toothache — even when your teeth aren’t the issue. Several common conditions can cause this discomfort.

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Grinding your teeth, especially at night, puts excess pressure on your jaw muscles. This strain can lead to soreness that radiates throughout the mouth and jaw, often mimicking a toothache.

Stress and jaw-clenching

Stress often leads to unconscious jaw clenching, tightening the muscles and causing discomfort. This tension can create pain that feels like a toothache, even though the source is muscular.

TMJ disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. When it’s inflamed or misaligned, it can cause discomfort that spreads to the teeth and gums, making it feel like a dental issue.

By identifying the source of your pain, you can seek the right treatment and prevent further discomfort.

How to relieve jaw muscle pain

First, find out what's causing your jaw pain so you can treat it effectively. If stress makes you clench your jaw, try relaxing with deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation exercises. Managing stress helps relax the muscles and reduces the likelihood of clenching or grinding your teeth.

Try hot and cold therapy

A warm compress can soothe tight muscles, while an ice pack helps reduce inflammation if swelling is part of the issue. Try both heat and cold therapy to see which provides the most relief.

Incorporate gentle jaw stretches

Simple stretching exercises can loosen your jaw muscles and relieve tension. Ask us to show you safe and effective techniques to incorporate into your daily routine.

Avoid hard or chewy foods

Chewing tough foods can strain your jaw muscles, making the pain worse. Opt for softer foods to give your jaw a break and prevent further discomfort.

Use a custom mouthguard for bruxism

Grinding your teeth at night puts excess pressure on your jaw muscles. A custom-fitted sleep appliance like a mouthguard protects your teeth and reduces muscle strain, helping many people experience significant pain relief.

Managing long-term jaw health

After your pain improves, work on preventing future problems. Manage your stress, pay attention to how you hold your jaw, and stop clenching or grinding so you avoid more pain later. Regularly visiting our office for check-ups can also detect any issues with your jaw or teeth before they become serious problems. 

You can maintain healthy jaw muscles and keep your smile comfortable and pain-free by staying proactive and informed.

When to seek professional care

Try home remedies first, but let us know if your jaw keeps hurting. We can help you find the right treatment for you. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today if your pain continues despite self-care, worsens, or has additional symptoms like jaw locking or difficulty opening your mouth.