
Waking up or going through the day with jaw pain on just one side can be frustrating and concerning. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp pain, one-sided jaw discomfort often has an underlying cause that needs attention. Understanding the possible reasons for this pain can help you know when to seek professional care and how to find relief. Here are some of the most common causes of jaw pain that affects only one side.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD)
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and if it becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to pain on one side of the face. TMJ pain is often accompanied by clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, difficulty chewing, or even headaches. Stress-related teeth grinding or clenching is a common trigger for TMJ issues.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Habitual teeth grinding—especially at night—puts extra pressure on one side of the jaw, leading to soreness or pain. Sometimes the pain is more pronounced on the side you favor while grinding. Over time, bruxism can cause worn-down teeth, sensitivity, and even cracked fillings or crowns.
Dental Problems
Tooth decay, gum disease, or an abscessed tooth can create pain that radiates to the jaw, often on just one side. If you notice swelling, tooth sensitivity, or pain when biting, the problem might be dental in nature. Treating the tooth issue can relieve the jaw pain.
Sinus Infections
Your sinuses are located close to your upper jaw. When they become inflamed due to a sinus infection, you may feel pressure or pain on just one side of your face, particularly around your upper teeth and jaw. If the pain is accompanied by nasal congestion or a runny nose, sinus trouble might be the culprit.
Injury or Trauma
A blow to the face, a sports injury, or even accidentally biting down on something hard can strain the jaw joint or muscles on one side. This type of pain usually comes on suddenly and may be tender to the touch.
When to See a Dentist
Occasional mild jaw pain may go away with rest, gentle jaw stretches or avoiding hard foods. However, if the pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s time to seek professional help. Your dentist can check for dental issues, TMJ disorders, or other underlying problems and recommend treatment.
Jaw pain on one side isn’t something to ignore. Whether it’s caused by TMJ disorder, bruxism, dental problems, sinus issues, or an injury, identifying the cause is the first step toward relief. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
About the Author
Dr. Girish Sandadi earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He enjoys regularly taking continuing education courses in order to elevate his skills to higher levels in important dental specialties, particularly the placement of restoration of dental implants. He also stays current in the dental field through memberships in the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or a different dental emergency, schedule your appointment now online or call our Dallas office at (214) 528-9990.