Also known as: sore jaw, aching jaw, jaw soreness, pain near the jaw joint, pain when chewing, pain when opening wide

Jaw pain in children can range from mild soreness near the jaw joint to more noticeable pain that interferes with chewing, talking, yawning, or opening wide. It may come and go at first, especially after waking up, eating tougher foods, or using the jaw a lot, but it can become more frequent if the underlying cause is not addressed. Some children can point directly to the discomfort, while others may simply avoid chewing, complain that it hurts near the ear, or become irritable during meals.

This symptom can be related to the teeth, bite, jaw joint, or surrounding muscles. In some cases, jaw pain is caused by clenching, grinding, or the way the teeth fit together, while in others it may be connected to infection, injury, or pressure from erupting teeth. Because untreated jaw pain can affect eating, sleeping, and normal jaw movement, an early evaluation can help identify the source and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Possible Causes of Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is commonly associated with:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching – Repeated tightening of the jaw muscles, especially during sleep, can leave the jaw feeling sore, tired, or tender in the morning.

  • Bite problems or uneven pressure – When the teeth do not come together evenly, extra strain can be placed on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort when chewing or closing the mouth.

  • Erupting or shifting teeth – As new teeth come in or the bite changes, children may feel pressure that seems to radiate into the jaw, especially near the back of the mouth.

  • Dental infection – Infection from a tooth or surrounding gum tissue can cause pain that spreads into the jaw, face, or ear and may be accompanied by swelling or tenderness.

  • Jaw joint irritation or injury – A fall, blow to the face, or overuse from chewing hard foods can inflame the jaw joint and make opening or moving the mouth uncomfortable.

Treatments for Jaw Pain

Depending on the cause of jaw pain, treatment may include:

  • Emergency Dentistry – If jaw pain is severe, follows an injury, or comes with swelling or difficulty opening the mouth, prompt evaluation can help identify the cause and relieve discomfort before the problem worsens.
  • Invisalign® – If jaw pain is related to bite misalignment or crowding, Invisalign can gradually move teeth into better alignment and improve how the bite fits. For some kids and teens, this may reduce uneven pressure on the jaw and help relieve discomfort caused by orthodontic issues.
  • Braces – When jaw pain is related to bite problems or teeth that do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may help improve alignment and reduce strain on the jaw over time.
  • Crowns – If a damaged tooth is changing the way your child bites, a crown can restore the tooth’s shape and strength, helping reduce uneven pressure that may contribute to jaw discomfort.
  • Baby Root Canals (Pulpotomy, aka Pulp Therapy) – When jaw pain is coming from deep decay or infection inside a baby tooth, this treatment can remove the inflamed tissue, relieve pain, and help prevent the infection from spreading.

When to See a Dentist

Consider scheduling an appointment if your child:

  • Has jaw pain that keeps returning or gets worse
  • Complains of pain when chewing, yawning, or opening wide
  • Shows signs of swelling, fever, or infection
  • Recently had a fall, hit to the face, or dental injury
  • Avoids eating or says the jaw feels tight, sore, or hard to move

Related Symptoms

Concerned About Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain is often a sign that something needs attention. We’d love to evaluate your child’s symptoms and make their visit comfortable, positive, and stress-free. Schedule an appointment today and get the answers you need.