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TMJ or Toothache: How to Tell the Difference

Pain in the jaw or face is easy to blame on a tooth, and just as easy to get wrong. The jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) and the teeth sit centimetres apart, and problems in either can feel alike. This guide explains the usual differences, which signs mean you should see a dentist first, and when an osteopath can help.

Jaw joint and teeth: is it TMJ or toothache?

What Is TMJ Pain?

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. You use it every time you talk, chew, yawn or swallow, so when it or the muscles around it become irritated, you notice.

TMJ problems are often linked to muscle tension, clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism), stress, a past knock to the jaw, or neck and shoulder posture. They commonly cause:

  • aching around the jaw joint, often near the ear, rather than in one tooth
  • clicking, popping or grating when you open or close your mouth
  • limited opening, or the jaw catching or locking
  • earache-like pain without an ear infection
  • headaches, or tension that spreads into the neck and shoulders

TMJ pain can affect one side or both.

What Is Toothache?

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth, usually from decay, an inflamed tooth nerve, an abscess, gum disease or a cracked tooth. It is typically:

  • felt in one tooth or one area of the mouth
  • sharp, throbbing or constant
  • worse with hot or cold food and drink
  • worse when you bite down
  • sometimes accompanied by swelling in the gum, a bad taste or a fever
Illustration of the jaw joint, jaw muscles and neck

TMJ vs Toothache: The Key Differences

TMJ painToothache
Where it hurtsAround the jaw joint, ear and cheek musclesOne tooth or one area of the gum
Type of painDull ache, tightness, sometimes sharp on movementSharp, throbbing or constant
TriggersChewing, yawning, clenching, stressHot, cold or sweet foods, biting
Sounds or movementClicking, locking, reduced openingNone
Swelling or feverUncommonCan signal infection
First person to seeAn osteopath, or your GPA dentist

If you are unsure which column fits you, that overlap is normal. A short assessment can usually tell them apart.

When to See a Dentist First

Book a dentist promptly, rather than waiting for a jaw assessment, if you have:

  • severe tooth pain that does not settle with over-the-counter painkillers
  • swelling in the gum, face or jaw
  • a fever, or feeling generally unwell with tooth or jaw pain
  • a visibly cracked or broken tooth

Seek urgent medical help if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing. For more, see the NHS guidance on tooth abscesses.

Signs Your Pain May Be TMJ

You may be dealing with a jaw problem rather than a tooth problem if you notice:

  • jaw or facial pain that is worse after chewing, talking or stress
  • clicking, locking or difficulty opening wide
  • frequent tension headaches, or neck and shoulder stiffness
  • a dentist has checked your teeth and found nothing wrong

How an Osteopath Can Help With TMJ Pain

An osteopath looks at the jaw together with the neck, upper back and shoulders, because tension in these areas often feeds jaw pain. At MHV Clinic, an appointment usually involves:

  • a case history, including clenching, grinding, stress and any dental work
  • an assessment of how the jaw opens and closes, and of the neck and upper back
  • hands-on treatment such as gentle soft-tissue work and joint mobilisation
  • advice on jaw rest, posture and simple exercises to do at home

Osteopathic care is not a replacement for dental or medical care. If we think your pain comes from a tooth, or needs investigation, we will tell you and suggest you see your dentist or GP. Results vary from person to person.

For more detail, see our guides on whether an osteopath can help with jaw pain, TMJ pain treatment and TMJ treatment options.

Everyday Habits That Can Help

  • Avoid chewing gum and very hard or chewy foods while the jaw is sore.
  • Try to keep your teeth apart and your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth when you are not eating.
  • Notice clenching during the day, for example when concentrating at a screen.
  • Use a warm compress on the jaw muscles for short periods.
  • Ask your dentist whether a night guard is suitable if you grind your teeth.
Dental X-ray of upper and lower teeth

Common Questions

Can jaw pain feel like toothache?

Yes. The jaw muscles and joint can refer pain to the teeth, so a tooth can ache when the cause is the jaw.

Should I see a dentist or an osteopath first?

If the pain is in one tooth, or there is swelling or a fever, start with a dentist. If your teeth have been checked, or the pain is around the joint with clicking or tightness, an osteopath can assess it.

Will my jaw click forever?

Clicking on its own is common and often painless. It is worth having checked if it comes with pain, locking or reduced opening.

Do I need to avoid using my jaw completely?

Usually not. Gentle, normal movement is generally better than complete rest, unless a clinician advises otherwise.

Not Sure Whether It Is Your Jaw or Your Teeth?

Our osteopaths at Mappin House, 4 Winsley Street, London W1W 8HF, can assess your jaw, neck and posture and advise on next steps. Book an appointment or see our fees.

Related reading: jaw clicking and what it means.