The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the name of the joint located on each side of your head, just in front of your ears. It connects your lower jawbone (part of your jaw) to your temporal bone (part of your skull). The temporomandibular joint can rotate and move forward, backward, and side to side, making it one of the most complex joints in the body. This joint, combined with other muscles and ligaments, allows you to chew, swallow, speak, and yawn. When you have problems with the muscles, bones, or other tissues in and around your TMJ, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Sudden jaw pain on one side can be a warning sign of a medical condition, but most of the time it is not serious. Patients often think that these are warning signs of dental problems such as sinus or tooth abscess. However, jaw pain on one side can be caused by a number of other conditions. So what is jaw pain on one side and when should you see a doctor?