Sore Throat & Jaw Pain: Causes, Treatment & When It’s Serious

Key takeaways:

• Sore throat and jaw pain can occur simultaneously due to “referred pain.”
• Referred pain is when you feel pain in one place, but the pain actually originates from somewhere else; so, you could have an issue with your throat that is affecting how your jaw feels.
• Home remedies like rest, hydration, and jaw exercises generally help most patients with sore throats and jaw pain.

Jaw pain and a sore throat can be closely related due to a phenomenon known as "referred pain." This occurs when discomfort is felt in one area of the body, but the source of the pain originates from another. This can happen to anyone at various times. For example, strep throat may cause symptoms such as a sore throat, earache, and jaw pain. A common, more innocent instance of referred pain is "brain freeze," which results in sudden pain in the roof of your mouth or forehead when consuming something cold.

While the exact reasons behind referred pain are still not fully understood by scientists, these pain patterns can provide valuable insight into potential clinical diagnoses and possible solutions.

Is a sore throat and jaw pain related?

Sore throat and jaw pain can be related, though the connection may be challenging to diagnose. The characteristics of jaw pain caused by a sore throat can often be hard to distinguish from pain originating in the jaw itself, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or a toothache.

Our bodies process pain in complex ways, integrating signals from our nervous system with unconscious reflexes. The most effective way to address jaw pain associated with a sore throat is to treat the cause first.

Common causes of sore throat and jaw pain experienced together

You may experience a sore throat and jaw pain simultaneously for various reasons. This type of referred pain occurs because the nerves in the throat and jaw are closely related and interconnected.

Strep throat and tonsillitis

One common cause of a sore throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, often called "strep throat." Most people will experience at least one episode of strep throat in their lifetime.

In these cases, jaw pain may occur due to inflammation and swelling in the throat and tonsils, which can radiate pain to the jaw. It may also be due to tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain in and around the jaw, which may also lead to a sore throat. TMJ disorders can also cause jaw locking and painful swallowing. The TMJ is essential for chewing, speaking, and swallowing. The way we chew and the alignment of our teeth can affect the muscles surrounding our jaw and impact our swallowing.

Possible causes of TMJ pain include:

• Muscle tension
• Jaw injury
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet
• Misaligned teeth (dental malocclusion)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• New dental issues

Viral infection

When you have a cold or flu, it’s common to experience a sore throat and referred pain in your jaw. COVID-19 can also lead to a sore throat and jaw pain.

Other symptoms you might encounter include nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and inflammation at the back of your throat, all of which can contribute to jaw pain. Additionally, experiencing a sore throat and jaw pain simultaneously may be caused by coughing, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness.

Acute and chronic sinusitis and allergies

Acute sinusitis can develop from viral or bacterial infections and may be worsened by environmental allergies. Chronic sinusitis is characterized by sinus inflammation or infection lasting over three months.

Both sinus infections and allergies can lead to a range of symptoms, including sore throat and jaw pain. They can also cause tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, jaw, and ears.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux can cause a burning sensation in your chest or sore throat as soon as thirty minutes after eating. This discomfort may radiate up and down your chest and extend to your jaws and ears. Gastroesophageal reflux can affect your chewing, swallowing, and breathing. It may also lead to teeth clenching and muscle tension in your neck and jaw.

Other symptoms associated with a sore throat and jaw pain

There are various symptoms that may accompany a sore throat and jaw pain. Some symptoms may stem from independent causes, while others may be directly linked to the underlying issue.

Ear pain

Otalgia, or ear pain, is a common symptom associated with a sore throat. Even though the discomfort can be significant, there is usually no issue with the ear itself. If you experience hearing loss, ear drainage, ringing in the ears, or dizziness, these point to a more serious issue and should be discussed with your doctor.

Neck pain

Neck pain is a common complaint associated with sore throat and jaw pain. Possible causes include enlarged lymph nodes, muscle strain, and muscle aches, which may be linked to a viral infection.

Jaw pain only on one side

You may experience a sore throat and jaw pain on only one side. Don’t worry—this is quite common.

It may indicate increased swelling, inflammation, or an infection on that side of your throat. Alternatively, it could be caused by irritation, muscle strain, or dental issues such as an infection or a cracked tooth on that side.

Sore throat only on one side

You may experience a sore throat on one side, along with jaw pain on both sides. The sore throat on one side may be due to an infection called quinsy or a peritonsillar abscess, which typically requires immediate medical attention.

Headache

It is very common to experience a headache along with a sore throat and jaw pain. Headaches can arise from various factors. Disorders related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause discomfort that extends beyond the jaw and throat, affecting the head and neck as well. Persistent headaches may result from throat infections, muscle tension, anxiety, or dehydration.

At-home remedies for relieving a sore throat and jaw pain

There are various home remedies to relieve sore throat and jaw pain. Some remedies will help with the sore throat, others will alleviate jaw pain, and some can improve both symptoms.

Pain relievers

If you are experiencing a sore throat and jaw pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, Tylenol, or naproxen sodium may be effective treatments. These medications work differently for different individuals, so it's important to find the one that works best for you. In some cases, your doctor may recommend using a combination of two medications, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, to achieve maximum relief.

Rest, hydration, gargling

A sore throat and jaw pain can be effectively managed with rest, proper hydration, and gargling with warm salt water.

To make the salt water, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. Gargling with this mixture can help soothe your throat. Throat lozenges or sprays can be beneficial as well. As your sore throat begins to improve, you may also notice a decrease in your jaw pain.

Neck massage and jaw exercises

A gentle neck massage can significantly help relieve your jaw discomfort. Perform these massages in a circular motion for about a minute at a time.

Additionally, opening and closing your mouth can help relieve the pain. This exercise is known as the goldfish exercise and helps realign your jaw. To do it, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, with your index finger on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and another finger on your chin. While keeping your tongue in place, gently open and close your mouth while applying light pressure with your fingers.

Diet

When you have a sore throat, it is important to avoid acidic and spicy foods. If you are experiencing both a sore throat and jaw pain, consider eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Examples include salmon, cod liver oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and soybeans. Additionally, turmeric may help reduce inflammation.

When you should see a doctor for a sore throat and jaw pain

There are times when home remedies may not be effective. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• A severe, unrelenting sore throat
• High fever over 1010F
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• You cannot fully open your mouth
• You have severe, one-sided ear pain
• Neck swelling or drainage
• Blood or pus in your saliva
• Hoarseness

You should go to the emergency room if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing or making unusual sounds when breathing
• Coughing or vomiting blood or pus
• Severe difficulty opening your mouth and corresponding ear pain, especially on one side

Questions to ask your doctor about a sore throat and jaw pain

The following are some questions you can ask your doctor to better understand the cause of your pain and proper treatment:

• When can I expect my sore throat and jaw pain to go away?
• What should I use at home if my sore throat and jaw pain don’t improve?
• Are there any tests to determine the cause of my sore throat and jaw pain?
• Can the medicines I already take affect my sore throat and jaw pain?
• Is the swelling in my neck normal?
• What are other possible causes of my sore throat and jaw pain?
• Am I contagious?

Frequently asked questions: sore throat and jaw pain

A sore throat and jaw pain are often related, but not always. It can be helpful to try home remedies initially. Your response to these remedies may offer clues about the underlying cause of your sore throat and jaw pain.

What if you’re experiencing a constant sore throat and jaw pain?

If you have a constant sore throat along with jaw pain, you might be dealing with an infection. While most infections are viral, it is possible that yours is bacterial. In this case, it’s always wise to consult a medical professional. You may require antibiotics or additional medical treatment.

What should you consider if you have a sore throat and jaw pain while pregnant?

Pregnancy can complicate the treatment of sore throat and jaw pain. Pregnant women often experience viral infections, including strep throat. However, it's also possible that your sore throat and jaw pain are normal symptoms related to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

These hormonal fluctuations can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. This may be worsened by factors such as stress, anxiety, clenching or grinding your teeth, and nutritional deficiencies like insufficient calcium intake. It is important to consult your doctor about any medications during pregnancy to ensure they’re safe.

What if you have a sore throat and jaw pain and you don’t have tonsils?

Undergoing a tonsillectomy is a big decision. However, it’s important to understand that not having tonsils doesn’t guarantee you won’t experience sore throats or jaw pain in the future.

While you may be less likely to contract strep throat and may have less discomfort overall, removing your tonsils might not alleviate jaw pain if you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) or dental issues.

Final thoughts

Sore throat and jaw pain often occur together. Most home remedies can help alleviate these symptoms, but if they persist, they may provide clues for proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Pallabi Sanyal-Dey, MD.

Sources

Jin, Qianjun et al. “Referred pain: characteristics, possible mechanisms, and clinical management.” Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 14, no. 1104817, 28 June 2023, doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1104817

Tran, C et al. “Management of temporomandibular disorders: a rapid review of systematic reviews and guidelines.” International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 51 no. 9, pp. 1211-1225, September 2022, doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2021.11.009