If you are asking, “Why does my jaw hurt while chewing?”, it usually indicates that something is affecting your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), teeth, or surrounding muscles. Jaw pain while eating is not normal and should not be ignored, especially if it persists or worsens over time.

The discomfort may feel sharp, dull, or radiating near the ear. In some cases, it may be accompanied by clicking sounds, restricted mouth opening, or swelling. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

Understanding the TMJ Anatomy

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. It is located just in front of each ear and works like a sliding hinge, allowing you to open and close your mouth.

The joint consists of:

• The mandibular condyle (rounded head of the lower jaw)
• The articular disc, which acts as a cushion
• Surrounding ligaments and muscles

The disc ensures smooth gliding of the jaw during chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this delicate mechanism is disturbed, pain can occur.

Why Does My Jaw Hurt While Chewing? Major Causes

There are several possible reasons behind jaw pain during chewing.

1. TMJ Disorders

One of the most common answers to “Why does my jaw hurt while chewing?” is TMJ disorder. This condition develops when the joint becomes inflamed or stressed.

Patients may experience:

• Pain near the ear
• Clicking or popping sounds
• Jaw locking
• Difficulty opening the mouth

TMJ disorders can result from stress, grinding, injury, or bite imbalance.

2. Bite Imbalance and Anterior Guidance Problems

An uneven bite can overload the jaw joint. When upper and lower teeth do not align properly, excessive pressure is placed on the TMJ and the articular disc.

Improper anterior guidance, how the front teeth guide jaw movement, can also cause abnormal loading on the joint. This imbalance leads to strain on the condyle and disc, resulting in pain during chewing.

Over time, this repeated stress may cause chronic inflammation and joint discomfort.

3. Disc Displacement

The articular disc plays a crucial role in smooth jaw movement. When the disc shifts from its normal position, the joint cannot glide properly.

Disc displacement can lead to:

• Clicking or popping sounds
• Pain during chewing
• Restricted jaw movement
• Sudden locking of the jaw

Improper gliding of the joint condyle due to disc displacement is a significant reason why many patients report jaw pain while chewing.

4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth with Infection

Impacted wisdom teeth are another common cause. When these teeth fail to erupt properly, they can trap bacteria and develop infection.

An infected wisdom tooth may cause:

• Swelling at the back of the jaw
• Restricted jaw opening
• Pain while chewing
• Difficulty swallowing in severe cases

The inflammation can extend to surrounding muscles, making chewing uncomfortable.

5. Trauma, Falls, or Jaw Fractures

A history of fall, sports injury, or road accident can lead to joint injury or fracture of the jaw bones.

Fractures or joint trauma may result in:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling
• Misaligned bite
• Difficulty chewing

Such cases require immediate professional evaluation.

6. Referred Pain from Molars

Sometimes the source of pain is not the joint itself. Deep cavities or infections in molars can refer pain toward the TMJ region.

Patients often mistake tooth pain for joint pain. Once the infected molar is treated, the jaw discomfort usually resolves.

7. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Chronic grinding or clenching places constant pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles. Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it.

This can lead to:

• Morning jaw pain
• Muscle tenderness
• Headaches
• Joint inflammation

Long-term bruxism significantly contributes to chewing discomfort.

How Is Jaw Pain Diagnosed?

To determine why your jaw hurts while chewing, a detailed clinical evaluation is necessary. This may include examination of jaw movement, bite analysis, checking for wisdom tooth impaction, and dental imaging.

Accurate diagnosis ensures targeted and effective treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.

TMJ disorders may require bite correction, splint therapy, medication, or physiotherapy. Bite imbalance may be managed through occlusal adjustment or restorative treatment. Disc displacement often responds to splint therapy and guided jaw exercises. Impacted wisdom teeth typically require surgical removal. In cases of infection, root canal treatment may be necessary. Trauma or fractures may require stabilization or surgical care.

Early intervention improves outcomes and prevents long-term complications.

Conclusion: Why Does My Jaw Hurt While Chewing?

If you are experiencing discomfort and wondering, “Why does my jaw hurt while chewing?”, the cause could be related to TMJ disorders, bite imbalance, disc displacement, impacted wisdom teeth, trauma, or even referred pain from molars. The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure, and even minor imbalances can lead to noticeable pain.

Jaw pain should never be ignored. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most causes can be effectively managed. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort, consult Dr. Ganesh Bhandari for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan to restore comfortable jaw function and protect your long-term oral health.