What Is Jaw Ache?

Jaw ache often feels like a dull, constant discomfort in the cheeks, jawline, or around the ears. It may come and go or persist all day, and it can be triggered by:

• Chewing tough foods

• Talking for long periods

• Waking up after a night of clenching or grinding

• Stress or poor posture

 

You may also feel facial tightness, jaw fatigue, or tension headaches.

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What Causes an Aching Jaw?

Common causes of jaw aching include:

• Muscle overuse from clenching or grinding (bruxism)

• TMJ disorder – problems with the jaw joint or its alignment

• TMJ hypermobility – when the jaw moves too much or too freely, leading to muscle strain

• Myofascial pain – trigger points or knots in facial and jaw muscles

• Arthritis or joint inflammation

• Poor posture or long hours at a computer

 

Even if the pain feels mild, it can worsen over time without proper care.

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Treatment Options for Aching Jaw Pain

At Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain, we specialize in diagnosing the root causes of jaw discomfort and offering safe, non-surgical solutions that bring lasting relief.​

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We offer gentle, non-invasive options to help you feel better — without surgery or long-term medication.

• Custom TMJ Appliances
  Lightweight nightguards designed to reduce clenching and support healthy jaw movement

• Trigger Point Injections
  In-office treatment to release tight, overworked jaw and facial muscles

• Laser Therapy
  A painless therapy that reduces inflammation and speeds up healing

• Botox for Jaw Muscle Pain
  Relaxes overactive muscles and decreases tension-related discomfort

• Home Care & Posture Guidance
  We’ll help you improve sleep habits, desk posture, and jaw use during the day