So, “Why does my jaw hurt?” Jaw pain can show up suddenly or slowly over time — and it’s often hard to tell whether the discomfort is coming from your teeth, your muscles, or your jaw joint.
Many patients in Calgary are surprised to learn how many different issues can cause jaw pain.
Below is a simple breakdown of the most common reasons your jaw might hurt, what each one typically feels like, and when it’s time to call a dentist for an evaluation.
Quick Summary: Common Causes of Jaw Pain
| Cause | What It Typically Means |
| Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) | Overworked jaw muscles causing soreness or fatigue |
| TMJ/TMD (jaw joint issues) | Joint pain near the ear, clicking, popping, or stiffness |
| Tooth or gum infection | Pain radiating into the jaw or ear |
| Sinus pressure or congestion | Pressure in upper jaw mimicking tooth or jaw pain |
| Cracked or damaged tooth | Jaw pain when chewing or biting down |
| Arthritis in the jaw joint | Joint inflammation or degeneration |
| Extended wide-open mouth posture | Strained jaw muscles after long opening (yawning, dental visits) |
Common Causes of Jaw Pain
1. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
One of the most common causes of jaw pain is bruxism — grinding or clenching your teeth during the day or while sleeping.
This constant pressure puts stress on the jaw muscles, which can lead to:
- morning jaw soreness
- tightness or fatigue in the cheeks
- headaches near the temples
Learn more about how to stop grinding your teeth at night.
2. TMJ/TMD (Jaw Joint Issues)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull.
Problems with this joint — also known as TMD — can cause:
- pain near the ear
- clicking or popping sounds
- difficulty opening wide
- aching in the jaw or temples
TMJ pain can be occasional or chronic depending on the cause.
3. Tooth or Gum Infection
Sometimes jaw pain has nothing to do with the jaw at all — it’s actually referred pain from a tooth or gum infection.
Common dental issues that can cause jaw pain include:
- an abscess
- severe decay
- gum infection or inflammation
Learn more about reducing tooth pain.
4. Sinus Pressure or Congestion
If your upper jaw hurts — especially when you bend forward — the issue may be related to your sinuses.
When the sinus cavity becomes inflamed during a cold, allergies, or sinus infection, the pressure can make the upper teeth and jaw feel sore.
5. A Cracked or Damaged Tooth
Chewing pain that radiates into the jaw may come from a crack in the tooth.
Even small cracks can cause:
- sharp pain when biting
- sensitivity
- discomfort that spreads through the jaw area
6. Arthritis in the Jaw Joint
Like other joints in the body, the TMJ can develop arthritis. This is more common in older adults but can happen at any age.
It may cause:
- stiffness
- aching
- clicking
- reduced range of motion
7. Wide-Open Mouth Postures
Long periods of keeping your mouth open — such as during a dental appointment, singing, or yawning — can temporarily strain the jaw muscles.
This type of discomfort usually feels muscular rather than sharp or localized.
Jaw Pain on One Side — What It Can Mean
Jaw pain isolated to one side often points to:
- TMJ imbalance
- clenching more on one side
- a single infected or cracked tooth
- sinus congestion on one side
- chewing habit differences
Unilateral pain should be evaluated, especially if it keeps recurring.
When Jaw Pain Is a Reason to Call a Calgary Dentist
You should seek an exam if jaw pain:
- lasts more than 1–2 days
- keeps coming back
- is paired with swelling or fever
- makes it difficult to chew or open your mouth
- feels sharp, shooting, or worsening
- is affecting your sleep or daily life
Jaw pain can have simple causes — or it can signal a deeper issue that needs attention.
Why Jaw Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Jaw pain may be temporary, but it can also be:
- a sign of infection
- early joint dysfunction
- muscle overuse
- a cracked tooth
- gum disease spreading
The sooner the cause is identified, the easier it is to resolve.
Concerned About Jaw Pain? Northland Smiles Dental Can Help
If you’re experiencing jaw pain in Calgary, our team can help determine what’s causing it and recommend the right next steps.
We see patients across NW Calgary for jaw discomfort, tooth pain, and TMJ concerns.
👉 Contact us to book an exam.
We’re here to help you get answers — and relief.
