Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Hozen

Ever felt pain on the right side under your jaw when eating, talking, or smiling? You’re not alone. Millions face jaw pain and neck discomfort, from mild to severe. It can really affect their day-to-day life.Why is there soreness under the jaw on the right side? Explore causes ranging from toothaches and tonsillitis to lymph node inflammation.

At Liv Hospital, we focus on you and use top medical skills to find what’s causing your pain. Issues like temporomandibular joint disorders, dental problems, and muscle tension can be the culprits.

Key Takeaways

• Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause pain on one side of the jaw.
• Dental issues, such as infections or abscesses, can lead to jaw pain.
• Muscle tension and strain can cause discomfort in the jaw and neck area.
• Lymph node swelling can also contribute to pain under the chin.
• Seeking medical attention is key to figuring out jaw pain’s cause.

The Anatomy of Jaw Pain: Understanding What’s Happening

Knowing how the jaw works is key to figuring out pain. The jaw has many parts, like the TMJ, muscles, and tissues. Problems in these areas can cause pain, often on one side.

Structure of the Jaw and Surrounding Tissues

The TMJ links the jawbone to the skull. It’s vital for moving the jaw, letting us talk, chew, and yawn. The jawbone, or mandible, meets the skull at the TMJ. This joint is wrapped in muscles, ligaments, and tissues that help it move.

The temporomandibular joint is special. It moves like a hinge and slides, making it very complex.

Why Pain Often Occurs on One Side (Right vs. Left)

Pain under the jaw on one side can happen for many reasons. These include uneven bite, muscle strain, or TMJ disorders. The causes of one-sided jaw pain vary, from dental problems to muscle tension from stress.

• TMJ disorders
• Dental problems such as tooth infections or impacted wisdom teeth
• Muscle strain due to stress or bruxism
• Salivary gland disorders

Some people might feel pain on the right side of their jaw. This can be due to the reasons listed above.

In summary, knowing the jaw’s anatomy is vital for finding out why it hurts, mainly on one side. By understanding the TMJ and what can affect it, we can diagnose and treat jaw pain better.

Common Symptoms of Soreness Under the Jaw

It’s important to know the symptoms of soreness under the jaw. This discomfort can be caused by many things, from mild to severe.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Right-Side Jaw Pain

Pain on the right side of the jaw can feel sharp, dull, or aching. It might be there all the time or only when you chew or yawn. Knowing if the pain stays in one spot or spreads helps figure out what’s wrong.

Some people hear clicking or popping sounds when they open their mouth or chew. This could mean they have a TMJ/TMD problem.

Associated Symptoms That May Accompany Jaw Discomfort

Jaw pain often comes with other symptoms that hint at the cause. These can include headaches, earaches, or neck pain. Some might find it hard to chew or swallow, or feel like their jaw is stuck.

Other signs might be swelling or tenderness in the face or jaw. Sometimes, a fever shows up if it’s caused by an infection.

How Symptoms Vary Based on Underlying Causes

The symptoms of jaw soreness can change a lot based on the cause. For example, dental problems might make pain worse when you chew or bite.

If it’s a salivary gland issue, you might also have dry mouth or swelling in the gland area. Knowing these differences is essential for finding the right treatment.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD)

TMJ or TMD is a common cause of jaw pain. It affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull and the muscles around it. Jaw pain on the right side often comes from TMJ/TMD.

TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking sounds, and trouble chewing. Knowing how TMJ affects the right jaw, who it affects most, and how to tell it from other jaw issues is key for treatment.

How TMJ Specificially Affects the Right Side

TMJ disorders can hit one or both sides of the jaw. On the right side, it can cause pain or tenderness in the joint, muscles, or in front of the ear. The pain might be constant or come and go, and you might hear clicking or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth.

Why TMJ disorders hit one side more than the other can vary. Things like an uneven bite, teeth grinding, or jaw injuries can lead to TMJ pain on one side.

Demographics and Statistics: Who Gets TMJ Most Often

TMJ disorders affect a lot of people, with women more likely to have TMJ pain than men. Between 5% to 12% of adults have TMJ disorders, with young adults being more affected.

Recognizing TMJ Symptoms vs. Other Jaw Conditions

It’s important to know the symptoms of TMJ disorders to tell them apart from other jaw issues. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or grating sounds, and trouble chewing. TMJ disorders often cause pain in the joint and around it, and may lead to headaches or earaches.

To manage TMJ disorders well, it’s key to understand these differences. Seeking professional diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Dental Issues Causing Right-Side Jaw Pain

Dental problems often lead to right-side jaw pain. Issues like tooth infections, abscesses, and TMJ disorders can cause this pain. It’s important to know the causes and get dental help to treat and prevent more problems.

Salivary Gland Disorders and Infections

Salivary gland disorders can cause a lot of discomfort, like jaw pain. Sialadenitis, an inflammation of the salivary glands, is a common cause of this pain.

Causes and Symptoms

Bacterial or viral infections can cause salivary gland disorders. Symptoms include pain and swelling, trouble swallowing, and fever.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose, doctors do a physical exam and might use imaging tests. Treatment often includes antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery is needed to fix underlying problems.

Lymph Node Swelling as a Source of Soreness Under the Jaw

Lymph node swelling often leads to jaw pain and discomfort. Knowing the causes and symptoms is key for diagnosis and treatment. If you feel jaw pain or swelling, getting medical help is vital. This way, you can find out what’s causing it and get the right treatment.

Muscle-Related Causes of Right-Side Jaw Pain

Muscle tension often causes right-side jaw pain, usually due to stress and strain. The muscles that move our jaw are complex. They can be affected by many factors, causing discomfort and pain.

Tension and Strain in Jaw Muscles

The jaw muscles are used a lot in our daily lives. They help us eat, speak, and even show emotions. When these muscles get strained, it can lead to pain, often on one side of the jaw. Tension in the jaw muscles can come from habits like teeth clenching or grinding.

Stress-Induced Muscle Tightness

Stress can make our jaw muscles tight. When we’re stressed, our body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in, causing muscle tension. This tension can show up as jaw pain, often on one side. Stress management techniques are key to easing this pain.

Exercises and Stretches for Relief

There are exercises and stretches that can help with jaw muscle tension. Simple jaw stretches, chin tucks, and massaging the jaw area are effective. Doing these exercises regularly can help loosen tight muscles and ease pain.

By knowing why muscle tension causes jaw pain and doing these exercises daily, we can manage and lessen right-side jaw pain.

Bruxism: How Teeth Grinding Affects Jaw Health

Bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth. It can really hurt your jaw. Knowing why it happens and how it affects you is key to fixing it.

### Causes of Bruxism

Many things can cause bruxism, like stress, anxiety, and sleep issues. Finding the exact reason can be hard. But it’s thought to be a mix of physical and mental factors.

### Symptoms of Bruxism

Bruxism symptoms vary. You might feel jaw pain, hear your jaw click or lock, or see your teeth wear down. It can also cause headaches, earaches, and face pain.

### Managing Bruxism

To deal with bruxism, keep your teeth clean, don’t chew hard things, and relax. Stress management is important. Sometimes, a dentist will suggest wearing a mouthguard at night.

### Conclusion

Bruxism is a common issue that affects your mouth and overall health. By knowing its causes and symptoms, you can take steps to manage it. This helps prevent serious damage in the long run.

When Pain Under the Jaw Extends to the Neck

It’s important to understand how neck and jaw pain are connected. Pain under the jaw can spread to the neck, making diagnosis harder. We’ll look at how cervical spine problems can cause jaw pain, the muscle links between the neck and jaw, and how to treat both neck and jaw pain.

Cervical Spine Issues Referring Pain to the Jaw

The cervical spine is key in sending pain to the jaw. Problems like cervical spondylosis or herniated discs can hurt nerves that send pain to the jaw. Cervical spine issues can mimic or contribute to jaw pain, so it’s important to check the cervical spine when diagnosing.

“The cervical spine and jaw are closely linked through a complex network of nerves and muscles,” says a leading expert in pain management. “Diagnosing jaw pain requires a thorough check of both the jaw and the cervical spine.”

Muscle Connections Between Neck and Jaw

The muscles of the neck and jaw are connected, and tension in one can affect the other. For example, the sternocleidomastoid muscle runs from the skull to the clavicle and can send pain to the jaw. Understanding these muscle connections is vital for effective treatment.

• The masseter muscle, involved in jaw movement, can be affected by neck tension.
• The temporalis muscle, another key jaw muscle, can be influenced by cervical spine issues.

Treating Combined Neck and Jaw Discomfort

Treating pain in both the neck and jaw needs a multi-step approach. This might include physical therapy for both cervical spine and jaw issues, and relaxation techniques to lower muscle tension. A complete treatment plan can offer a lot of relief.

In some cases, medical treatments like corticosteroid injections or, in severe cases, surgery may be needed. This is for conditions like cervical spondylosis or severe TMJ disorders.

Less Common but Serious Causes of Right-Side Jaw Pain

Some serious health issues, like trigeminal neuralgia and jaw fractures, can cause right-side jaw pain. These conditions are not common, but knowing their symptoms is key to getting help quickly.

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Nerve Conditions

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is widespread in the head. It causes intense, shock-like pain in the face, often on one side. Simple actions like brushing teeth or chewing can trigger this pain.

Key characteristics of trigeminal neuralgia include:

• Sudden, severe, stabbing, or shooting pain
• Pain triggered by light touch or other factors
• Pain episodes that can be frequent and debilitating

Other facial nerve conditions can also lead to jaw pain, though they are rare. These conditions affect the nerve’s function, causing pain or discomfort.

Jaw Fractures and Trauma

Jaw fractures are serious and require immediate medical attention. They can happen from accidents, sports injuries, or fights. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and trouble opening the mouth or chewing.

• Severe pain, swelling, and bruising
• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
• Numbness or a feeling of unevenness in the bite

If you think you have a jaw fracture, get medical help right away to prevent further problems.

Tumors and Growths in the Jaw Region

Tumors or growths in the jaw area are rare but serious. They can be benign or malignant. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and changes in how teeth align.

Types of tumors that can affect the jaw include:

• Odontogenic tumors, which originate from tooth-forming tissues
• Non-odontogenic tumors, which arise from other jaw tissues
• Metastatic tumors, which spread to the jaw from other parts of the body

Any unusual or persistent changes in the jaw should be checked by a healthcare professional. This is to rule out serious conditions.

Diagnosing the Source of Your Jaw Pain

Figuring out jaw pain starts with a detailed look at your medical history and a physical check-up. Doctors might also use X-rays or CT scans to find out what’s causing the pain.

Effective Treatments for Right-Side Jaw Soreness

Jaw pain on the right side can really hurt and make everyday tasks hard. But, there are many ways to make it better.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For minor pain, try using a warm or cold pack on the sore spot. It can help lessen the pain and swelling. Also, keep your teeth clean and avoid chewing on the sore side.

Medical Interventions

If the pain doesn’t go away, you might need to see a doctor. They might give you pain meds like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Sometimes, you might need dental work or physical therapy to find and fix the problem.

Conclusion: Prevention and Long-Term Management

Preventing jaw pain and managing it long-term requires lifestyle changes and awareness. Knowing the causes of jaw pain helps. By taking preventive steps, people can lower their risk of discomfort.

Preventing jaw pain involves reducing stress, avoiding certain foods, and using dental appliances. For those with ongoing jaw issues, managing pain long-term might need medical care and lifestyle changes. These help keep the jaw healthy.

We suggest being proactive about jaw health. This includes doing exercises, managing stress, and getting medical help when needed. By taking these steps, people can better manage jaw pain and enjoy a better life.

FAQ

Refrence 

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2025). Why Does the Right Side Under My Jaw. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3476012/