Most jaw and facial pain has a common, treatable cause. The jaw joint and chewing muscles are frequent culprits. This is called temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The NHS says it is not usually serious and generally gets better on its own. Tooth problems, such as decay or an abscess, are another common source. So is sinusitis after a cold, which can cause pain around the cheeks and even toothache.
Less often, the cause is a nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia causes brief, severe, electric-shock pains in the face.
Two situations cannot wait. Jaw pain can be a sign of a heart problem, especially with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating. And in people over 50, jaw pain when chewing can be a sign of giant cell arteritis. That condition can threaten sight.
Call 112 or 999 (Ireland), 999 (UK) or 911 (US), or go to an emergency department, if you have:
Get a same-day appointment (GP, GP out-of-hours or NHS 111), if:
Do not drive yourself.
TMD affects the movement of the jaw. The NHS lists these symptoms:
The pain may be worse when chewing or when you feel stressed. TMD can also disturb sleep. Causes include teeth grinding, wear and tear of the joint, a blow to the face, stress and an uneven bite.
TMD usually improves without treatment. If it does not, a GP may suggest stronger painkillers, relaxation techniques or help with sleep. They may also suggest seeing a dentist about grinding, a physiotherapist for jaw exercises, or a psychologist if stress is a factor.
Sometimes pain lasts for months and feels out of proportion to any visible problem. Our article on chronic pain and central sensitisation explains how guidelines approach it.
The NHS lists the main causes of toothache. They include tooth decay, a dental abscess, a cracked tooth, a loose or broken filling, gum disease and grinding. Infection around a wisdom tooth that is coming through is another.
See a dentist if toothache lasts more than 2 days. Also go if it comes with a high temperature, pain when biting, red gums, a bad taste, or a swollen cheek or jaw.
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It is common after a cold or flu. The NHS lists pain, swelling and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead. Other symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, a reduced sense of smell, a headache and toothache.
It usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks. A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Reasons include sinusitis that persists after 3 months of treatment, coming back repeatedly, or affecting only one side of the face.
The NHS describes trigeminal neuralgia as sudden, severe facial pain. People describe a sharp shooting pain, or an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. Attacks last from a few seconds to about 2 minutes, and stop as suddenly as they start. It usually affects one side, mostly the lower face.
Light touch often triggers attacks: washing, eating, brushing teeth, or even a breeze. It is thought to be rare. It is more common in women, usually starts between 50 and 60, and is rare under 40.
It is usually caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve. Sometimes another condition damages the nerve, such as MS or a tumour. Our article on multiple sclerosis explains how MS is diagnosed and managed.
The NHS says diagnosis can take time. A dentist may first need to rule out dental causes. Carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medicine, is usually the first treatment. NICE advises specialist referral if the pain does not respond to treatment.
Some headaches cause pain in the face. NICE describes cluster headache as one-sided pain around or above the eye and along the side of the head or face. It comes with a red or watery eye, a blocked or runny nostril, or a drooping eyelid on the same side. Our guide to migraine, tension and cluster headache explains how they differ.
The NHS describes post-herpetic neuralgia as a more common type of nerve pain than trigeminal neuralgia. It develops in an area previously affected by shingles.
In giant cell arteritis, arteries become inflamed, especially those at the temples. The NHS lists the main symptoms:
Flu-like symptoms, weight loss, low mood and tiredness are also common. The NHS warns it can lead to stroke and blindness if not treated quickly.
The European Headache Federation calls it a medical emergency. It reports an incidence of 15 to 25 cases per 100,000 people over 50 each year, rising with age. Its recommendations urge vigilance for any new headache over the age of 50.
Treatment with steroids usually starts before the diagnosis is confirmed, because of the risk to sight. NICE notes that a normal ESR blood test does not rule it out.
The NHS says angina can cause sudden pain in the chest, neck, shoulders, jaw or arms. It is often brought on by exercise, stress, emotion or cold. It usually lasts under 10 minutes and eases with rest.
A heart attack can cause chest pain that spreads to the arms, neck and jaw. The HSE says some people have only minor pain, which can feel like indigestion. Some have no chest pain at all, especially women, older people and people with diabetes.
Jaw pain that comes on with exertion and eases with rest can be angina. It needs prompt medical advice.
NICE advises urgent referral for a brain scan if facial pain comes with persistent numbness or other abnormal neurological signs. This is to exclude a growth or other lesion. It is uncommon, but persistent numbness should always be mentioned to a GP.
Expect questions like these:
The NHS says a GP checking for giant cell arteritis will examine your temples. Blood tests and referral to a specialist follow. Further tests may include an ultrasound of the temples or a small biopsy of the artery. If you have vision problems, the NHS says you should see an eye specialist the same day.
If a heart cause is possible, tests include an ECG and blood tests. A dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays. For persistent sinus problems, a GP may refer you to an ENT specialist.
These steps come from NHS guidance for specific causes, once serious causes are ruled out.
For TMD, the NHS suggests:
Stress can make TMD worse. Our guide to managing stress without medication covers approaches with evidence behind them.
For sinusitis, the NHS suggests rest, plenty of fluids and painkillers. Rinsing your nose with salt water may help.
For toothache while you wait for a dentist, the NHS suggests painkillers and soft foods. It also suggests avoiding very hot, cold or sweet food.
Severe facial pain can wear people down. The NHS notes that trigeminal neuralgia can lead to isolation and depression. If you are struggling, help is available now. In Ireland and the UK, call Samaritans free on 116 123. In the US, call, text or chat 988. Our guide to what actually works for depression sets out the options.
Yes. The NHS lists stress among the causes of TMD. It also says pain may be worse when you are stressed. Clenching or grinding your teeth, often without noticing, is one way this happens.
It can be. Jaw pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick needs 112, 999 or 911. Jaw pain that comes on with exertion and eases with rest also needs prompt medical advice.
Yes. The NHS lists toothache and pain around the cheeks among symptoms of sinusitis. It usually follows a cold. Toothache lasting more than 2 days still needs a dentist.
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden attacks of shock-like pain lasting seconds to minutes. Light touch often triggers them. Toothache usually has a dental cause a dentist can find, such as decay or an abscess. The NHS suggests a dentist rules out dental causes first.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot assess your symptoms. If you are worried, speak to your GP, dentist or emergency services.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026