Adults only (18+)

How to Relieve Jaw and Ear Pain

Jaw and ear pain can feel draining, distracting and at times difficult to pinpoint. For some, it comes on as a dull ache that lingers through the day, while for others it may be a sharp or throbbing pain that flares when speaking, eating or yawning. Because the jaw and ear are so closely connected through nerves, muscles and bones, discomfort in one area can often be felt in the other.

The good news is that most causes of jaw and ear pain are not serious and can be treated effectively. Understanding the possible causes and learning gentle ways to ease discomfort can help restore comfort and reduce anxiety around the symptoms.

What Causes Jaw and Ear Pain?

There are several possible causes of jaw and ear pain, and they often overlap. One of the most common is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMD). The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, and if it becomes strained or inflamed, it can cause pain in the jaw, ear, temple or neck. You may also notice clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth, or experience tightness or difficulty chewing.

Another frequent cause is ear infection, particularly in children or after a cold. Middle ear infections can cause pain that radiates into the jaw, and in some cases, jaw movements may worsen the discomfort. If the infection spreads or causes pressure in the ear canal, it may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, mild hearing loss or fluid discharge.

Dental problems, such as tooth abscesses, gum infections or impacted wisdom teeth, can also cause pain that spreads to both the jaw and ear. In these cases, pain may feel more intense when biting or chewing.

Sinus infections can create pressure in the upper face and cause pain that radiates into the jaw and ears, particularly if the maxillary sinuses are involved. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often during sleep, may also cause aching in the jaw and soreness around the ears due to muscle tension.

Less commonly, issues such as nerve compression, jaw injury, arthritis, or problems with posture can also contribute to combined jaw and ear discomfort.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Jaw and ear pain may appear gradually or suddenly. It can feel sharp, achy, tight or throbbing. Other symptoms may include clicking or popping noises when moving your jaw, difficulty opening your mouth fully, headaches, neck pain, or pressure behind the ear.

You might also experience tenderness when pressing on the jaw or just in front of the ear, and in some cases, the pain may be worse when eating, yawning or speaking.

How to Relieve Jaw and Ear Pain at Home

Relieving jaw and ear pain starts with gentle, supportive strategies. If the pain is mild or moderate, there are several things you can try at home to help reduce discomfort.

Applying a warm compress to the side of your face can relax tight muscles and ease inflammation in the jaw joint. Use a warm flannel or heat pack for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day. If the area feels swollen or hot, a cold compress wrapped in a cloth may be more soothing.

If muscle tension is suspected, jaw relaxation techniques can help. Try keeping your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth with your teeth slightly apart. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth and avoid chewing gum or hard foods for a few days to give the jaw time to recover.

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be useful in easing mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen also helps reduce inflammation if TMJ dysfunction is present. Always follow the instructions on the label or consult a pharmacist if you have any health conditions or take other medication.

Gentle jaw exercises may improve mobility and reduce stiffness. Slowly opening and closing the mouth, or moving the jaw from side to side within a comfortable range, can help loosen tight muscles. These exercises should be done only if they do not increase pain and ideally under the guidance of a physiotherapist or dentist.

If ear pressure or congestion is a concern, steam inhalation or nasal decongestants may help ease sinus pressure. In the case of an ear infection, pain often settles once the infection clears. Applying warmth to the ear and staying upright may improve drainage and reduce discomfort.

When to See a GP or Dentist

You should speak to a GP or dentist if the pain persists for more than a few days, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, fever, hearing loss, or a discharge from the ear. If you have difficulty opening your mouth, intense pain when chewing, or if the pain wakes you at night, it is important to seek advice.

A dentist can assess for dental problems, abscesses or teeth grinding, while a GP can investigate potential ear infections, TMJ issues or sinus problems. In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist such as an oral and maxillofacial consultant, ENT specialist or physiotherapist.

Preventing Jaw and Ear Pain

If teeth grinding or clenching is a recurring issue, wearing a night guard may protect the teeth and ease muscle tension. This is particularly helpful for people who grind during sleep and may not be aware they are doing so.

Good posture, especially when working at a desk or using screens, can reduce tension in the neck and jaw. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed, your chin slightly tucked, and avoid cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear.

Practising stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or gentle yoga, can also help reduce jaw tension and prevent flare-ups, particularly if stress or anxiety contribute to the pain.

The Emotional Impact

Persistent jaw and ear pain can affect mood, sleep and concentration. If the discomfort is affecting your quality of life, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional. Pain that interferes with daily activities or causes ongoing anxiety deserves attention and support.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques or speaking to a counsellor may be helpful if stress is a factor. Managing emotional wellbeing can reduce physical symptoms and support longer-term recovery.

Final Thoughts

Jaw and ear pain can be unsettling, especially when it is not clear where it is coming from. But in most cases, the cause is not serious and can be relieved with rest, warmth, gentle exercises and professional support when needed.

Whether the discomfort is linked to jaw tension, ear infection, dental issues or posture, there are many ways to ease the pain and prevent it from returning. If you are unsure of the cause or your symptoms are not improving, reach out to your GP or dentist for reassurance and tailored care.