How to Get Rid of Jaw Pain from Drinking Alcohol
We found no official source that says alcohol itself causes jaw pain. The US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) describes temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) as conditions that cause pain in the jaw joint and jaw muscles. If jaw pain keeps coming back after drinking, or is sharp or lasting, see a dentist or doctor.
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What the official sources say
NIDCR describes temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) as a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw. Its page does not mention alcohol, and we found no official page that names alcohol as a cause of jaw pain. So we cannot say that drinking causes it.
Common signs of a jaw problem
- Jaw or face pain
- Stiffness, limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Pain that spreads to the face or neck
NIDCR notes that clicking or popping without pain is common.
Self-care NIDCR suggests
- Eat soft foods
- Use heat or cold with gentle jaw stretches
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, if they are safe for you (ask a pharmacist, especially if you drink)
- Cut back on jaw clenching, gum chewing and nail biting
When to get help
NIDCR advises consulting a dentist or doctor if you think you have a TMD. Get checked if the pain is sharp, keeps returning, or lasts after you stop drinking. Note what you drank and when the pain started, and share it with them. To see how much a drink counts as, use our standard drink calculator.
People also ask
Why does my jaw hurt after drinking alcohol?
We found no official source that explains jaw pain from alcohol. NIDCR links jaw pain to TMDs, so a dentist or doctor should check it if it keeps happening.
Can alcohol cause jaw pain?
No official source we opened says so. The NIDCR page on TMDs does not mention alcohol.
How do I ease jaw pain at home?
NIDCR suggests soft foods, heat or cold, gentle jaw stretches and avoiding clenching, gum chewing and nail biting. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about pain relievers.
Sources
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