Jaw Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Verywell Health
Your jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints (TMJs), are found on either side of your head. A wide range of factors can affect the health of your jaw and cause jaw pain. While some types of jaw pain go away on their own, other types of pain need treatment to avoid more severe problems. Your jaw joints are located in front of each ear. TMJs operate like hinges that allow your lower jaw to perform three-dimensional movements. This allows your jaw to move up and down, forward and back, and side to side. Jaw pain can make it hard for you to chew, swallow, speak, make facial expressions, and breathe. Prostock-Studio / Getty Images A healthcare provider or dentist can help you find the cause of your jaw pain. Treatment can range from home care to surgery. In some cases, jaw pain resolves without treatment. This article discusses the symptoms and potential causes of jaw pain. It also covers risk factors and when to consult with your healthcare provider for t...