A broken or cracked tooth can cause more than just tooth pain. In some cases, the discomfort may seem to spread into your jaw, making it uncomfortable to chew, speak, or open your mouth normally.
Why does this happen?
A damaged tooth can irritate the sensitive tissues and nerves inside and around it. Dental pain can also be referred, meaning you may feel discomfort in your jaw or nearby teeth even though the problem originates from one particular tooth.
If the damage allows bacteria to reach the pulp, the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, an infection can develop. This may cause worsening pain, tenderness, or swelling around the affected tooth and surrounding tissues.
You might also unconsciously change the way you bite or chew to avoid the painful tooth. Over time, this can leave your jaw muscles feeling tense or sore.
The important thing is not to ignore persistent tooth or jaw pain. A broken tooth cannot repair itself, and delaying treatment may allow the damage to worsen or complications to develop.
Let’s look at why a broken tooth can cause jaw pain, the symptoms you should watch for, available treatments, what you can do while waiting to see a dentist, and when you should seek urgent care.
Key Takeaways
- A broken or cracked tooth can sometimes cause pain that seems to spread into the jaw.
- Pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and persistent toothache are common warning signs.
- Jaw discomfort may result from referred dental pain, inflammation, infection, or changes in the way you chew because of the painful tooth.
- Treatment depends on the type and severity of the damage and may include bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal treatment, or extraction.
- Home care may temporarily relieve discomfort, but it cannot repair a broken tooth.
- Fever, increasing facial or jaw swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent attention.
- Having a damaged tooth examined early may help prevent the problem from becoming more complicated.
1. Can a Broken Tooth Cause Jaw Pain?
Yes. A broken or cracked tooth can sometimes cause pain that feels as though it extends into your jaw.
Your teeth contain a soft inner tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If a crack or fracture extends far enough into the tooth, it may irritate or inflame the pulp and cause significant pain.
Dental pain can also be referred. In other words, where you feel the pain isn’t always exactly where the problem is located. A damaged tooth may therefore cause discomfort that seems to come from the jaw or nearby teeth.
Infection is another possible cause. If bacteria enter the pulp through deep decay or damage to the tooth, an infection may develop and eventually affect the tissues surrounding the root. This can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected area.
You may also change the way you chew because the tooth hurts. Favoring the opposite side of your mouth can sometimes leave your jaw muscles feeling tired or sore.
However, jaw pain has many possible causes. If it persists, don’t automatically assume that a broken tooth is responsible. A dental examination is the best way to identify the source of the problem.
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2. What Causes a Tooth to Break or Crack?
Teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. A tooth can crack or break suddenly, or it can gradually weaken until part of it fractures.
Common causes include:
- Accidents and injuries: A fall, collision, sports injury, or blow to the mouth can chip, crack, or fracture a tooth.
- Biting hard foods or objects: Chewing ice, very hard candy, hard foods, pens, or other objects can place excessive force on a tooth.
- Tooth decay: A large cavity can weaken the remaining tooth structure and make it more susceptible to breaking.
- Teeth grinding or clenching: Bruxism repeatedly places pressure on the teeth and can contribute to cracks, wear, and fractures.
- Large fillings or restorations: A tooth with a large restoration may have less natural tooth structure remaining and can sometimes be more vulnerable to fracture.
- Normal wear over time: Years of biting, chewing, grinding, and other forces can contribute to cracks in teeth.
Not every crack is the same. Some affect only the outer portion of a tooth, while others extend deeper toward the pulp or root. The type and location of the damage will influence how the tooth needs to be treated.
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3. What Does a Broken or Cracked Tooth Feel Like?
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the damage.
One common sign of a cracked tooth is pain when biting or chewing. Sometimes, you may notice pain when you release your bite rather than when you initially bite down.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Sharp or intermittent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Sensitivity to sweet foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A rough or sharp edge on the tooth
- A visible crack or missing piece of tooth
- Tenderness in the gum around the affected tooth
- Persistent or throbbing toothache
- Pain that seems to spread toward the jaw, ear, or nearby teeth
- Swelling around the gum, jaw, or face
Cracks can sometimes be difficult to identify because the symptoms may come and go. You may know that something hurts when you chew without being able to identify exactly which tooth is causing it.
If the pain persists, swelling develops, or your symptoms are getting worse, arrange a dental examination rather than waiting for the problem to disappear on its own.
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4. Why Can Tooth Pain Spread to the Jaw?
There are several possible reasons you might experience jaw pain when you have a damaged tooth.
Referred Pain
The nerves supplying your teeth, gums, face, and jaw are connected through shared nerve pathways. Because of this, your brain may not always identify the precise source of dental pain.
As a result, pain originating from one tooth may sometimes feel as though it’s coming from your jaw or another nearby area.
Inflammation
A deep crack or fracture can irritate the pulp inside the tooth or the tissues surrounding it. This inflammation can make the area around the affected tooth feel painful or tender.
Dental Infection
If bacteria reach the pulp, the tooth can become infected. Without appropriate treatment, infection may spread into the tissues surrounding the tooth and contribute to swelling and pain in the gum, jaw, or face.
Changes in How You Chew
When one tooth hurts, it’s natural to avoid putting pressure on it. You may begin chewing primarily on the opposite side without realizing it.
This change in chewing can sometimes make your jaw muscles feel tired, tense, or uncomfortable.
However, persistent jaw pain, clicking, locking, or difficulty opening your mouth can have causes unrelated to a broken tooth and should be properly evaluated.
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5. How Does a Dentist Diagnose a Broken or Cracked Tooth?
Diagnosing a cracked tooth isn’t always as simple as finding a visible crack.
Your dentist will usually begin by asking about your symptoms, including when the pain occurs and what seems to trigger it. The tooth and surrounding gums can then be examined for visible cracks, decay, damaged restorations, swelling, and other abnormalities.
Depending on your symptoms, your dentist may also use several diagnostic methods.
Bite Testing
You may be asked to bite on a small dental instrument or material using different parts of the tooth. Pain during biting or when releasing pressure can provide clues about the location of a crack.
Transillumination
A bright light may be directed through the tooth. A crack can interfere with the way light passes through the tooth, which may help the dentist identify it.
Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays can provide useful information about the tooth’s roots, surrounding bone, decay, and possible signs of infection.
However, a crack, particularly a small or vertically oriented one, may not always appear on a routine dental X-ray. This is why dentists consider your symptoms and clinical examination together with imaging rather than relying on an X-ray alone.
Pulp Testing
Your dentist may perform tests to determine how the pulp inside the tooth responds to temperature or other stimuli.
Once the problem has been identified, your dentist can determine whether the tooth can be restored and recommend an appropriate treatment.
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6. How Is a Broken Tooth Treated?
Treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged, where the crack or fracture is located, whether the pulp has been affected, and whether enough healthy tooth structure remains to restore it.
Dental Bonding or Filling
Small chips and certain minor fractures may be repaired using tooth-colored composite material or another appropriate restorative material.
This can restore the shape of the tooth and protect the damaged area.
Dental Crown
If a significant portion of the tooth has been weakened or fractured, your dentist may recommend a dental crown.
A crown covers and protects the damaged tooth and helps restore its shape, strength, and function.
Root Canal Treatment
If the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be necessary.
During root canal treatment, the affected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is subsequently restored as appropriate.
Tooth Extraction
Unfortunately, not every broken tooth can be saved.
For example, a fracture that extends too deeply below the gumline or involves the root may make the tooth difficult or impossible to predictably restore.
In these situations, extraction may be recommended. If removal is necessary, your dentist can also discuss suitable options for replacing the missing tooth.
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7. What Can You Do for Broken Tooth Pain at Home?
If you cannot see your dentist immediately, there are a few measures that may make you more comfortable while you wait.
Keep in mind that these measures provide temporary relief. They do not repair a broken tooth or eliminate the source of a dental infection.
Rinse Gently With Warm Salt Water
Rinsing gently with warm salt water may help keep the area clean and soothe irritated gum tissue.
Avoid aggressive rinsing if the area has recently been injured or is particularly painful.
Apply a Cold Compress
If you have swelling or tenderness, a cold compress applied to the outside of your cheek for short periods may help reduce discomfort.
Do not place ice directly against your skin or directly on the affected tooth.
Choose Soft Foods
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or very chewy foods that could put additional pressure on the damaged tooth.
If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the tooth has been examined.
Avoid Very Hot or Cold Foods
If your tooth has become sensitive, extreme temperatures may trigger pain.
Lukewarm or room-temperature foods and drinks may be more comfortable.
Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help some people manage dental pain temporarily when taken according to the product label or the advice of a healthcare professional.
These medicines aren’t suitable for everyone. Your medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, and other medicines you’re taking can affect which pain relievers are appropriate for you.
If you’re uncertain, ask your dentist, physician, or pharmacist before taking them.
Do not exceed the recommended dose, and don’t place aspirin or other pain medication directly against the tooth or gums.
Most importantly, don’t assume that the tooth has healed simply because the pain goes away. The underlying damage may still require dental treatment.
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8. When Should You See a Dentist?
If you know or suspect that you’ve broken a tooth, it’s best to have it evaluated by a dentist as soon as practical, even if the pain isn’t severe.
Seek prompt dental care if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening tooth pain
- Significant pain when biting or chewing
- Increasing sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- A visible crack or large piece of missing tooth
- Pus, drainage, or an unpleasant taste coming from the affected area
- Jaw or facial swelling
- Fever associated with dental pain or swelling
- Increasing difficulty opening your mouth
These symptoms can indicate deeper tooth damage or an infection that requires professional treatment.
When Is It an Emergency?
Some dental infections can spread beyond the tooth and become serious.
Seek urgent dental or medical attention if you develop rapidly increasing facial or jaw swelling, significant swelling extending toward your eye or neck, fever accompanied by worsening swelling, or if you become seriously unwell.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or severe swelling that may affect your airway, requires immediate medical attention. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or seek emergency medical assistance.
Don’t wait for a routine dental appointment if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
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9. How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Breaking a Tooth?
You can’t prevent every dental accident, but you can reduce many common risk factors.
Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth regularly. Preventing tooth decay helps preserve healthy tooth structure.
Avoid chewing ice, pens, hard candy, and other objects that place unnecessary stress on your teeth.
If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist. Depending on the cause and severity, your dentist may recommend ways to protect your teeth, which can include a custom-made night guard.
You should also wear an appropriate mouthguard when participating in contact sports or other activities where your teeth could be injured.
Finally, don’t wait until a tooth hurts before visiting your dentist. Regular dental examinations can help identify tooth decay, damaged restorations, excessive wear, and other problems before they become more serious.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Teeth and Jaw Pain
1. Can a broken tooth really cause jaw pain?
Yes. Pain from a broken or cracked tooth can sometimes feel as though it extends into the jaw. Possible reasons include referred pain, inflammation, infection, or jaw muscle soreness from changing the way you chew.
However, there are many other causes of jaw pain. If the discomfort persists, have it evaluated rather than assuming that a particular tooth is responsible.
2. Can a broken tooth cause an infection?
A broken tooth does not automatically mean that you have an infection.
However, if the damage or associated decay allows bacteria to reach the pulp inside the tooth, an infection can develop. Without treatment, that infection can potentially spread into the tissues surrounding the tooth.
Pain, swelling, fever, pus or drainage, and an unpleasant taste can be warning signs that require prompt dental attention.
3. Will a broken tooth heal on its own?
No. A fractured tooth cannot grow back together the way a broken bone can.
Your symptoms might temporarily improve, but the structural damage remains. A dentist can determine whether the tooth requires bonding, a filling, a crown, root canal treatment, extraction, or another form of treatment.
4. Why does my broken tooth hurt when I bite?
Biting puts pressure on the damaged tooth and surrounding tissues. If a crack moves slightly under pressure or has affected the pulp or supporting tissues, biting or releasing your bite may trigger pain.
A dentist can perform specific tests to help identify the affected tooth and determine the extent of the damage.
5. Can a broken tooth cause ear pain?
Sometimes. Because of shared nerve pathways, dental pain may feel as though it’s coming from nearby areas such as the jaw or ear.
However, ear pain can also have causes completely unrelated to your teeth. Persistent or unexplained ear pain should be properly evaluated.
6. How long can I wait before seeing a dentist for a broken tooth?
It’s best not to delay unnecessarily.
A small fracture can become larger, and deeper damage may eventually affect the pulp inside the tooth. Even if the tooth isn’t very painful, having it examined allows your dentist to determine how serious the damage is.
If you have significant pain, swelling, fever, drainage, or worsening symptoms, seek professional care promptly.
7. Should I take antibiotics for a broken tooth?
Not necessarily.
A broken tooth by itself does not automatically require antibiotics. Treatment depends on whether infection is present, how far it has spread, and your overall condition.
Antibiotics also don’t repair the broken tooth itself. If antibiotics are needed, they should be taken only when prescribed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Do not self-medicate with leftover antibiotics or take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
8. Is jaw swelling from a broken tooth serious?
It can be.
Jaw or facial swelling associated with dental pain may indicate inflammation or infection and should be professionally evaluated.
Rapidly worsening swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or significant swelling spreading toward the neck or eye requires urgent medical attention.
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Don’t Ignore a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can be easy to dismiss when the pain is mild or comes and goes. But once a tooth’s structure has been damaged, ignoring the problem can allow the fracture, decay, or an underlying infection to progress.
Many damaged teeth can be treated successfully, particularly when they’re evaluated before the problem becomes more complicated.
If tooth pain seems to spread toward your jaw, you’re having difficulty chewing, or you’ve noticed a crack or missing piece of tooth, schedule a dental examination.
Finding out what’s causing the pain is the first step toward treating it appropriately and protecting your oral health.
Experiencing Tooth or Jaw Pain in Marikina?
If you have a broken or cracked tooth that’s causing pain, especially pain that seems to spread into your jaw, consider having it examined before the problem gets worse.
At Tan-Mencias Dental Clinic in Parang, Marikina City, our dental team can examine the affected tooth, identify the likely cause of your discomfort, and discuss appropriate treatment options with you.
To schedule a consultation, call 0917-145-1074, send us a message through our Facebook page, or contact us through our website.
We’ll be happy to help you take the next step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Dental and jaw pain can have many possible causes, and the appropriate treatment depends on your individual condition. If you have a broken tooth, persistent dental pain, swelling, fever, or other concerning symptoms, consult a licensed dentist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
If you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly worsening facial or neck swelling, or other symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.