The most common presenting signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder include jaw tenderness that may feel like a toothache, as well as headache, migraine or an earache. The pain may get worse when chewing food and a person may hear and/or feel a clicking or popping noise when eating, as well as an overall decreased jaw range of motion. In addition, this condition may be associated with neck stiffness and pain, shoulder pain that radiates down the arm, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain and, since many people do this while sleeping, you may not be aware that you are, too. Symptoms of bruxism include jaw, face, and neck pain; headaches; and dental problems, including fractured, cracked and worn down teeth. Besides teeth grinding, other muscle overuse conditions, like teeth clenching and excessive gum chewing, can also cause jaw pain. Cracked tooth may cause intermittent, dull or sharp jaw pain that is triggered by biting or eating.