Jaw pain usually comes from the jaw joint or the muscles that move it, and it often settles with simple care. A dentist is a sensible first stop, because the same symptoms can come from a tooth, your bite or a grinding habit, and one examination checks all three. Some jaw pain, though, is not a jaw problem at all, so that is where this article starts.
Jaw pain that needs a doctor or an ambulance first
If jaw pain comes with any of these, do not wait for a dentist.
- Chest pain, pressure, breathlessness, sweating or nausea. The Heart Foundation lists pain in the back, neck or jaw as heart attack warning signs, noting these lesser-known symptoms are particularly common in women. Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
- A jaw that is stuck open, will not close properly or looks shifted to one side, or pain after a strong blow to the face. healthdirect advises seeking medical attention immediately for a suspected jaw dislocation, and going to emergency straight away with hearing problems, facial numbness, fluid from the nose or ears, or confusion.
- Swelling that affects breathing or speaking, or reaches around the eye or neck. healthdirect says these need emergency medical care, because a dental infection can spread.
- New jaw pain when chewing in someone over 50, especially with a severe headache, a tender temple or blurred or double vision. This can be giant cell arteritis, an inflammation of the arteries, and healthdirect advises seeing a doctor or emergency department within 24 hours.
For other medical worries, start with your GP. At Warrawong, King Street Medical is in the same building as the dental practice.
What TMJ pain usually is
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge in front of each ear that connects your lower jaw to your skull. healthdirect describes TMJ dysfunction as a problem with the muscles around the joint, the joint itself, or both.
Typical signs are pain in the jaw, especially when eating, a clicking or grating noise when you chew, and a locking sensation that makes it hard to open your mouth. Listed causes include injury to the jaw, head or neck, an uneven bite, clenching or grinding, wear and tear of the joint, other joint diseases and dental issues.
Reassuringly, healthdirect notes that in most cases TMJ dysfunction improves over time, and symptoms may go away without treatment.
Can a dentist help with TMJ pain?
Yes. A dentist can examine the joint, the chewing muscles, your bite and your teeth, and work out whether the pain is coming from the jaw or from something dental that feels similar, such as an infected or cracked tooth.
That second check matters. Pain from a tooth abscess often worsens when you bite or chew, which is easy to mistake for a jaw problem.
When the joint or muscles are the source, Australian research reflects a cautious approach. A 2024 national survey of how Australian dentists and physiotherapists manage temporomandibular disorders found dentists most often used advice and education, oral appliances, moist heat and medications, while physiotherapists most often used manual therapy, exercises and education. The authors described these as mostly conservative, reversible and evidence based. The survey was small, but the pattern is clear: TMJ care usually starts gently, often with a dentist and physiotherapist working together.
Where a splint fits
healthdirect includes a specifically designed mouthguard worn while you sleep among the treatment options, alongside pain relief, anti-inflammatory gel, relaxation techniques and jaw exercises. It is one tool, not the whole answer. We cover what a splint does and does not do in teeth grinding and nightguards, including why a custom fit matters.
What you can do in the meantime
healthdirect’s self-care advice is simple: eat soft foods, cut food into small pieces, avoid opening your mouth wide, avoid chewing gum, avoid biting your nails and avoid clenching your jaw.
Book a dental check if the pain keeps returning, makes eating difficult, comes with clicking and locking, or if you have noticed worn or chipped teeth. Unsure whether it is a tooth or the jaw? An examination answers exactly that.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dentist do anything for TMJ pain?
Yes. A dentist can examine your jaw joint, chewing muscles, bite and teeth, rule out dental causes such as an infected or cracked tooth, and suggest conservative treatment. In an Australian survey, dentists most often used advice and education, oral appliances such as splints, moist heat and medications.
Does TMJ pain go away on its own?
Often, yes. healthdirect notes that in most cases TMJ dysfunction improves over time and symptoms may settle without treatment. If the pain keeps coming back, affects eating or comes with locking, have it checked rather than waiting.
Can jaw pain be a sign of a heart attack?
It can. The Heart Foundation lists pain in the back, neck or jaw among heart attack warning signs, particularly in women. If jaw pain comes with chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating or nausea, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Should I see a dentist or a physio for jaw pain?
Either can be a reasonable first step, and the two often work together. A dentist can rule out tooth and bite problems and make a splint if needed. A physiotherapist with an interest in jaw problems typically uses exercises and manual therapy. If your symptoms suggest a medical cause, see your GP first.
Getting your jaw checked in Warrawong
If your jaw is sore, clicking or locking, start with an examination. King Street Dental provides nightguards, splints and TMJ care at its dental practice in Warrawong, with a GP next door if anything needs medical follow-up.
This article is general information, not advice about your own symptoms. Speak to a dentist about jaw pain, and to a doctor or emergency service if you notice any of the warning signs above.