{"id":348,"date":"2026-08-07T20:39:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=348"},"modified":"2026-08-14T12:50:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T12:50:48","slug":"why-does-my-jaw-hurt-on-only-one-side","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zumbrofamilydental.com\/blog\/why-does-my-jaw-hurt-on-only-one-side\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Only One Side?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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While sleeping, you\u2019re jolted awake by a sudden pain on only one side of your jaw. Although this situation can be alarming and confusing, don\u2019t worry \u2013 it typically isn\u2019t a cause of immediate concern. However, even if you know that, it may not stop the questions from running through your head. What does it mean? When should you see a dentist? How can you alleviate the discomfort? Luckily, we\u2019ve got all the answers you\u2019re searching for and more \u2013 just keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes Jaw Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why you may experience jaw pain<\/a> on one side, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TMJ Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joint that connects your skull and jaw. A disc separates the bones in this joint and helps it move properly. If the joint becomes misaligned or damaged, you might experience pain and other symptoms like tenderness, earaches, clicking or popping when moving your jaw, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bruxism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth without conscious intent. This often occurs while you\u2019re asleep, but it can also happen while you\u2019re awake. Frequent grinding and clenching of the teeth can put an excessive amount of pressure on your jaw joints, which can lead to pain on one or both sides of your jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Health Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, jaw pain on one side can indicate underlying oral health problems. Some common issues that cause jaw pain are cavities, an abscessed tooth, gum disease, tooth decay, growth of wisdom teeth, and missing or crooked teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinusitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation in your nasal cavities can cause sinusitis. Since the nasal cavities are located behind the cheeks, inflammation can cause pain in one or both sides of your jaw. Usually, this pain is accompanied by other symptoms like nasal congestion, yellow or green mucus, facial swelling, fatigue, and difficulty smelling or tasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to See a Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, jaw pain on one side isn\u2019t usually considered a dire situation. But if the discomfort is accompanied by other symptoms, it could indicate a more severe condition \u2013 one that will require immediate treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience any of the following, contact your emergency dentist right away:<\/p>\n\n\n\n