Dr Anupam Sinha
BDS, MDS - Orthodontics
- Delhi State Dental Council registration number A-6723 (2015).
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Jaw Pain in Greater Kailash 1, Delhi
Jaw pain most often comes from the jaw joint and muscles or from a tooth, but it can also be a sign of something that needs a doctor at once. At Orion Dental Clinic, a dentist in Greater Kailash 1 (GK 1), South Delhi, this page puts the warning signs first, then explains the jaw and dental causes, what a recent guideline says works for long-term jaw pain, and when we will send you to a doctor, in plain language.
Care is planned by Dr Anupam Sinha (BDS, MDS) and Dr Natalia DeSilva (BDS, MDS). If jaw pain comes with chest pain or breathlessness, treat it as an emergency. Ask as many questions as you need.
- Chest pain that spreads to the jaw, with breathlessness or sweating, can be a heart attack and needs emergency help 2
- Emergency
- Jaw pain when eating or talking, with severe headaches, scalp tenderness or vision problems, needs urgent medical advice 4
- Urgent
- The longest a typical trigeminal neuralgia attack lasts, from a few seconds, and it can be set off by brushing teeth 3
- 2 minutes
- Eat soft foods such as pasta, omelettes or soup, and avoid chewing gum and wide yawning 1
- Soft food
These statements come from NHS patient information and a BMJ guideline, listed at the end of the page. They do not replace a medical assessment. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.
Medically reviewed by Dr Anupam Sinha, BDS, MDS - Orthodontics, .
Quick answer
Jaw pain at Orion Dental Clinic in Greater Kailash 1, Delhi is checked for causes in the teeth, the jaw joint and the muscles, and for signs that need a doctor. Dr Anupam Sinha and Dr Natalia DeSilva examine your jaw. Jaw pain with chest pain or breathlessness is an emergency.
01 Overview
What causes jaw pain, and what should you do in Greater Kailash 1, Delhi?
The most common jaw problem is temporomandibular disorder, which affects how the jaw moves. The NHS says it is not usually serious and generally gets better on its own, and lists pain around the jaw, ear and temple, clicking or popping, difficulty opening the mouth, locking, headache and poor sleep as symptoms.1 The BMJ guideline says it affects 6% to 9% of adults worldwide.5 Our TMJ and migraine page covers it in detail.
Jaw pain can also come from elsewhere. Chest pain that feels tight or squeezing and spreads to the arm, neck and jaw, with breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick, can be a heart attack.2 Jaw pain when eating or talking, with severe headaches, scalp or temple tenderness or vision problems, can be giant cell arteritis, which can cause stroke or blindness if it is not treated quickly.4 Sudden, severe, shooting pain on one side of the face, set off by touch, eating or brushing teeth, is typical of trigeminal neuralgia, and the NHS says to see a doctor once a dentist has ruled out dental causes.3
A dentist can tell a tooth or jaw joint problem from these, and will send you to a doctor if the signs point elsewhere. Our page on tooth pain explains dental causes.
Most jaw pain is from the joint, muscles or a tooth, but a few causes are emergencies, so the warning signs come first.
02 Candidacy
When is jaw pain an emergency, and when can it wait in Greater Kailash 1, Delhi?
Read the left column first. If any of those signs apply, do not wait for a dental appointment.
Get medical help now if
- Jaw pain comes with tight or squeezing chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick. Call 112, India's emergency number, and do not drive yourself.2
- Jaw pain when eating or talking comes with frequent severe headaches, pain or tenderness at the temples or scalp, or vision problems.4
- You cannot eat or drink.1
- There is swelling that spreads across the face or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Chest pain, scalp tenderness with headache or vision problems come before any dental visit.
03 Options
How is jaw pain treated in Greater Kailash 1?
Treatment depends on the cause, and the dentist treats the dental and jaw causes.
Self-care for jaw pain from the joint or muscles
The NHS advises soft foods, paracetamol or ibuprofen, an ice pack or a hot water bottle, massaging the jaw muscles, relaxing, and avoiding chewing gum, clenching and wide yawns.1
Usual first step 1
Treatment for long-term jaw pain
For pain lasting three months or more, the BMJ guideline strongly recommends cognitive behavioural therapy, therapist-assisted mobilisation, manual trigger point therapy, supervised exercise and usual care such as education, and advises against irreversible oral splints and several injections.5
Guideline 5
The jaw joint is covered in detail on our TMJ page, and the NHS says a doctor can refer you to a dentist if teeth grinding is an issue.1
| Joint or muscle | Tooth | Nerve or artery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical features | Clicking, locking, ache around jaw and ear 1 | Pain with hot, cold or biting | Shooting pain, or jaw pain with headache and scalp tenderness 34 |
| Who treats it | Dentist, physiotherapist, doctor 1 | Dentist | Family doctor or hospital doctor 34 |
| Main limit | Often settles by itself 1 | Needs a dental diagnosis | Some need urgent care 4 |
The right clinician depends on the cause, so the first step is working out where the pain comes from.
04 Procedure
How is jaw pain examined, step by step?
Every case is individual, so your steps may differ. This is the usual order.
The examination rules out the urgent causes first, and then treats the jaw and teeth.
Questions about your jaw pain
The dentist asks where it hurts, when, how long, what sets it off, and whether you have clicking, locking, headache, chest pain or vision problems.124
Checking for warning signs
If there are signs of a heart problem, arteritis or another urgent cause, the dentist stops and arranges medical help instead of dental treatment.24
Examining the jaw
The dentist feels the jaw muscles and joints, watches how the jaw opens and closes, and checks the teeth for wear and tenderness.1
Checking the teeth
Teeth are tested and X-rayed, because a tooth problem or a grinding habit can cause jaw pain.13
Explaining the likely cause
You are told what the findings mean and what the guideline says about each treatment.5
Starting with self-care and exercises
You are shown how to rest the jaw and which exercises to do, with a referral for physiotherapy or psychological support if needed.15
Review, or referral to a doctor
You return to check whether the pain has eased, and if the signs point to nerve pain or arteritis, you are sent to a doctor.34
05 Aftercare
What to do for jaw pain at home in Greater Kailash 1
These are the NHS self-care steps for jaw joint and muscle pain. They are not for the emergency signs above.1
Soft food
Eat soft foods such as pasta, omelettes or soup, and avoid biting food with your front teeth.1
Pain relief and heat or cold
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Use an ice pack for up to five minutes at a time, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day, whichever feels better.1
Rest the jaw
Avoid chewing gum or pen tops, yawning widely, biting your nails and clenching your teeth. Your teeth should be apart except when you are eating.1
Relax
Massage the painful jaw muscles and find ways to relax, because stress and poor sleep go with jaw pain.1
When to call us
Call 112, India's emergency number, or call 112 or go to a hospital emergency department now if jaw pain comes with tight or squeezing chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick, and do not drive yourself. Get urgent medical advice if jaw pain comes with frequent severe headaches, temple or scalp tenderness, or vision problems. Call the clinic on 098115 01995 if your jaw locks, you cannot open your mouth enough to eat, or the pain gets worse.
Rest the jaw and relax the muscles, and never ignore chest pain or vision problems.
06 Limits and risks
When is jaw pain not a dental problem?
A dentist can treat the teeth, the jaw joint and the jaw muscles, but not every jaw pain starts there. These are situations where a doctor is needed:
- Jaw pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating.
- Jaw pain when eating or talking with severe headaches, scalp tenderness or vision problems.
- Sudden, shooting pain on one side of the face with no dental cause.
- Jaw pain that is getting worse despite a dental check.
- An inability to eat or drink.
In these cases a doctor, the emergency department or a neurologist is the right next step, and the dentist will say so.
Risks and complications
A heart attack can start with jaw pain. The NHS lists chest pain spreading to the arm, neck and jaw among the symptoms and says to get emergency help and not to drive yourself.2
Arteritis needs speed. Giant cell arteritis can lead to serious problems such as stroke and blindness if it is not treated quickly.4
Nerve pain is easily mistaken for toothache. Trigeminal neuralgia affects the jaw, teeth and gums, and diagnosis can take a few years, which is why the NHS says dental causes should be ruled out first.3
Treatments for long-term joint pain have limits. The BMJ guideline conditionally advises against reversible occlusal splints and several injections and strongly advises against irreversible splints and discectomy.5
A good dentist checks for the warning signs before treating the jaw.
07 Your visit
What happens at your first jaw pain appointment?
At your first visit, a dentist at Orion Dental Clinic asks where the pain is, how long you have had it, what sets it off and whether you have clicking, locking, headaches, chest pain or vision problems. You are asked about your health, medicines, stress, sleep and grinding.
The dentist examines your jaw, muscles, teeth and bite and takes X-rays where needed. You then talk through the likely cause, what treatment is worth trying, what the guideline advises against, and whether you should see a doctor, and you can ask any question.
The first visit rules out urgent causes and then treats the jaw and teeth.
08 Why this clinic
Why choose Orion Dental Clinic for jaw pain in Greater Kailash 1?
You meet the doctors who examine your jaw, and you can ask them which treatments are worth trying and which are not.
Dr Natalia DeSilva
BDS, MDS - Oral Medicine and Radiology
- Delhi State Dental Council registration number A 11417 (2013), and Karnataka State Dental Council A-13203 (2003).
Doctors you can ask
Dr Anupam Sinha and Dr Natalia DeSilva see patients with bite and jaw concerns, and patients mention both in their reviews.
Teeth and bite under one roof
If worn teeth, an uneven bite or missing teeth contribute, orthodontic and restorative care can be discussed at the same clinic.
Imaging on site
Imaging is available at the clinic, so the X-rays used to look at the jaw and teeth can be taken there.
Ask the dentist what they have ruled out as well as what they have found.
09 Reviews
Patient reviews of Orion Dental Clinic in Greater Kailash 1
“Thank you so much, Doctor Natalia Desilva for listening patiently and explaining everything in detail. I truly appreciate your care and reassurance during the visit. Had a very good experience. The doctor was professional, patient, and explained the diagnosis and treatment clearly. Highly recommended.”
“On my first visit to the clinic I got undivided attention and a thorough examination by Dr Natalia who seemed very proficient in her area of dentistry. It has given me a lot of confidence to approach her for my further consultation and treatment. I feel my search for a good dentist has ended here - thank you Dr Natalia !”
“I visited Dr Natalia for oral check up . Dr Natalia is very knowledgeable and understand patient’s concerns . She provided me clear reason and resolutions for the issues. Overall it was a very good experience.”
10 Visit us
Jaw pain dentist in Greater Kailash 1 (GK 1), Delhi: location and hours
Mon to Sat, 9:30 am to 8:00 pm
Orion Dental Clinic Basement, E 75, Greater Kailash-1,Greater Kailash Enclave I
New Delhi, Delhi 110048
098115 01995
| Monday to Saturday | 9:30 am to 8:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |
If you are looking for a dentist for jaw pain in Greater Kailash or nearby, Orion Dental Clinic is in the basement of E 75, Greater Kailash Enclave 1 (GK 1), opposite Anubhav Play School, with the entrance at Gate 1, so call or message us on WhatsApp to book an appointment and use the map for directions. More about the clinic: dentist in Greater Kailash.
11 Travelling patients
Visiting Delhi with jaw pain?
If your jaw hurts while you are visiting Delhi, an examination and advice can usually be given in one visit, and you can take home written self-care instructions. Most of the strongly recommended treatments for long-term jaw pain are exercises and education, which can be continued at home.5 If the pain comes with chest pain, breathlessness or vision problems, get medical help first.
You can read about how dental tourism in Delhi works.
Medical warning signs come before a dental visit, and exercises can be done at home.
12 Questions
Jaw pain in Greater Kailash 1, Delhi: questions patients ask
Why does my jaw hurt?
Can jaw pain be a heart attack?
Yes. Chest pain that spreads to the arm, neck and jaw, with breathlessness or sweating, can be a heart attack and needs emergency help. Do not drive yourself.2
Is jaw pain with headaches serious?
It can be. Jaw pain when eating or talking with frequent severe headaches, temple or scalp tenderness or vision problems needs urgent medical advice, because giant cell arteritis can lead to stroke or blindness.4
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Sudden, severe, shooting pain on one side of the face, lasting seconds to about two minutes, that can be set off by touch, eating or brushing teeth. The NHS advises seeing a doctor once dental causes are ruled out.3
Does jaw pain from TMD go away?
The NHS says TMD is not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.1 See a dentist if it does not.
Do I need a night guard?
For long-term pain, the BMJ guideline conditionally advises against reversible occlusal splints and strongly against irreversible ones.5 Ask your dentist why they would or would not advise one.
What can I do at home?
Eat soft foods, take paracetamol or ibuprofen, use an ice pack or a hot water bottle, rest and relax the jaw, and avoid clenching, gum and wide yawns.1
Should I see a dentist or a doctor?
Where can I find a dentist for jaw pain near me in South Delhi?
Orion Dental Clinic is a dentist for jaw pain in Greater Kailash 1 (GK 1), in the basement of E 75, Greater Kailash Enclave 1, opposite Anubhav Play School, with the entrance at Gate 1. Patients come for jaw pain in Greater Kailash from Kailash Colony, CR Park, Nehru Place, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony and South Extension. Call or message us on WhatsApp to book an appointment.
13 Second opinion
Jaw pain that will not settle?
A consultation lets you find out where your jaw pain is coming from, and what is worth trying, before you commit to anything. Bring a note of when it happens and any earlier X-rays. The dentist will examine your jaw, teeth and bite, explain what they find and say if you need a doctor. There is no form to fill in: message us on WhatsApp or call, and we will find a time that suits you.
14 Related
Related treatments and guides
TMJ & Migraine Treatment
Read this for the jaw joint and its link with headaches.
Tooth pain
Read this if the pain may come from a tooth.
Dental Anxiety
Read this if clenching comes with worry about dental visits.
Patient guides
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
How wisdom teeth can trigger pain in the jaw, face and head, which headaches are more likely to come from elsewhere, and when to see a dentist.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What bruxism is, the signs of grinding and clenching such as worn teeth and jaw ache, what triggers it, and the habits, night guards and checks that help.
Dental Implant Procedure: What Happens at Each Visit
A step-by-step guide to the dental implant procedure, from the first scan and planning to surgery, healing and the final crown, with usual timings.
Sources (5)
- NHS website. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (patient information). Page review date 20 June 2023. www.nhs.uk/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder-tmd/
- NHS website. Heart attack (patient information). Page review date 31 March 2026. www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/
- NHS website. Trigeminal neuralgia (patient information). Page review date 27 January 2023. www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/
- NHS website. Temporal arteritis, also called giant cell arteritis (patient information). Page review date 14 August 2023. www.nhs.uk/conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/
- Busse JW, Casassus R, Carrasco-Labra A, Durham J, Mock D, Zakrzewska JM, et al. Management of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ, 2023;383:e076227. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38101929/
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination, and results vary between patients.