· Jaw pain after getting hit is common. Pain and soreness in this area can have a number of different causes, including a traumatic injury to the face. Trauma can result in a variety of dental problems including a complex condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

Understanding the Context

Many types of blunt trauma can result in damage to the upper or lower jaw or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—which ... · Have you recently said, “I got hit in the jaw, and it hurts to chew,” but you’re not sure what to do next? Jaw pain after an impact can make eating, speaking, or even smiling uncomfortable. Jaw pain is a common issue that affects millions of people in the U.S.

Key Insights

Jaw pain may be mild or can be severe and affect your quality of life. Many factors can cause jaw pain, such as grinding your teeth, gum disease or a toothache. Jaw pain may also be a symptom of a serious issue, including a broken or dislocated jaw or a heart attack.ContentsArrow DownOverviewPossible CausesCare and TreatmentWhen to Call the DoctorContentsArrow DownSee full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgWhat are the most common causes of jaw pain?Temporomandibular joint disorder often causes jaw pain. Other common causes include: Abscessed tooth: An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus around a tooth that’s caused by a bacterial infection. An abscessed tooth may cause jaw pain.

Final Thoughts

Arthritis: Arthritis affects your joints. Your joints may become inflamed or begin to break down. If you have arthritis, it may affect your temporomandibular joint and cause jaw pain. Bruxism (grinding teeth): Grinding your teeth regularly may affect your temporomandibular joint and muscles, causing jaw pain. Gum (periodontal) disease: An infection in your gum caused by poor dental care may cause jaw pain. Infections: Bacterial infections such as sinusitis or tetanus (lockjaw) may cause jaw pain.

Mumps: Mumps is a contagious disease that may cause jaw pain because the disease makes your salivary glands swell. Your salivary glands are located between your ears and jaw. Trauma: You’ve injured your jaw, including breaking or dislocating your jaw. A dislocated jaw happens when your lower jawbone moves out of one of your temporomandibular joints.