Lupus Jaw Pain: Why Your Jaw Gets Tired When Chewing

Medically reviewed by Sarika Chaudhari, M.D., Ph.D.

Written by Amanda Jacot, Pharm.D

Updated on September 24, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Jaw pain and fatigue while chewing are issues that some people with lupus experience, and small studies suggest that systemic lupus erythematosus may be linked to problems with jaw movement and oral health.
Lupus can affect the jaw in several ways, including joint inflammation, dry mouth from reduced saliva production, and muscle pain or weakness. Medications used to treat lupus, such as corticosteroids and some antidepressants, may also contribute to jaw pain or chewing difficulties.
If you are experiencing jaw pain or fatigue while chewing, especially if symptoms are new or getting worse, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor or dentist to explore what may be causing them and which options may help you feel better.

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Jaw problems aren’t usually the first symptom that comes to mind when you think about lupus. However, several MyLupusTeam members have noticed their jaws get tired while chewing.

One member asked, “When I’m eating, my jaw and mouth get so tired from chewing. It’s almost like a workout. Does anyone else deal with this?”

If you’ve also noticed jaw fatigue while chewing, you’re not alone. Small studies suggest systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be associated with problems involving jaw movement and oral health.

🗳️ Do you experience jaw pain?

Yes, often

Yes, occasionally

Something else/Other

Jaw fatigue may also have other causes, so new or worsening symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Lupus Jaw Pain and Temporomandibular Joints

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the jaw joints and the muscles involved in jaw movement. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the joints on either side of your head that connect your lower jaw to your skull.

Common symptoms of TMDs include:

Jaw pain
Headaches
Ear pain
Dizziness
Jaw popping or clicking
Limited range of motion in the mouth
Changes in your bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit together)
Grinding or clenching your teeth
Tooth sensitivity

MyLupusTeam members describe how jaw pain affects them:

“I can’t open my mouth wide. If I chew gum, I can’t do it for long because it causes so much pain. I often have to avoid ‘chewy’ foods because it is too painful and exhausting to do all that chewing.”

“I sometimes have to stop in the middle of a meal just to massage my jaw. It’s very painful, and from that pain, it can turn into a migraine.”

Causes of Lupus Jaw Pain

There are several reasons why you might have jaw pain and chewing difficulties. These symptoms could be related to lupus itself, a related condition, or a medication.

Joint Inflammation

Joint pain is a frequent symptom of lupus. Lupus can cause inflammation that leads to joint pain in the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes. Jaw joints may also be affected in some people, although TMJ problems in lupus are less well understood than lupus-related pain in other joints.

Dry Mouth

People with dry mouth can have difficulty eating, swallowing, speaking, and tasting food. Dry mouth happens when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Without enough saliva, chewing and swallowing can be more difficult.

Chronic dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, and cracked lips.

One study of 48 women with SLE, published in the International Journal of Rheumatology, found that 79 percent had hyposalivation, which means reduced saliva flow.

Dry mouth can also be caused by Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune disease that some people have along with lupus. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the primary symptoms of Sjögren’s. About 14 percent to 18 percent of people with SLE also have Sjögren’s disease.

A MyLupusTeam member shared, “I have also been diagnosed with Sjögren’s. The Sjögren’s causes dry mouth, which doesn’t produce enough saliva to help soften the food to help with chewing.”

Muscle Pain and Weakness

Lupus often causes muscle aches and pains, known as myalgia. If your neck and shoulder muscles are painful or stiff, jaw movement may also feel more difficult.

Less often, lupus can cause myositis, or muscle inflammation, most often in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. Muscle weakness is the most common symptom of myositis, but weakness also can be related to other factors.

Medications

Side effects from medications used to treat lupus or other conditions could also contribute to problems chewing. Examples include:

Corticosteroids — Steroid medications like prednisone can cause muscle weakness in some people. This is more common with long-term use. Also, repeated use of the intra-articular (in the joint) injections of certain steroids may cause harmful effects on the bone and surrounding tissues of the jaw.
Antidepressants — Some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can cause you to clench or grind your teeth. Over time, that can increase the chances of jaw pain.
Medications that cause dry mouth — A wide range of medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, some blood pressure medicines, anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants.

If you have symptoms of dry mouth or recurring jaw pain, always let your doctor know. Never stop taking medication without talking to your doctor first.

Can Lupus Affect Your Teeth?

Research has linked SLE with tooth decay, dry mouth, gum inflammation, mouth sores, and reduced saliva flow.

All of these can affect your overall oral health and your ability to chew and enjoy food.

Keeping up with daily oral care and scheduling regular dental checkups are two key steps to protecting your teeth and jaw.

Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your rheumatologist about your pain and how it affects your life, especially if it’s affecting your ability to eat and get adequate nutrition.

Treatments for your jaw pain may include:

An evaluation of your current lupus medications
Lifestyle adjustments like jaw rest by eating soft foods
Mouthguards
Physical therapy
Medications for pain or muscle relaxants
Steroid or Botox injections
Surgery

Jaw pain or fatigue while chewing can have several causes, including TMD, dry mouth, muscle problems, or medication side effects. If symptoms are new, worsening, or making it harder to eat, talk with your doctor or dentist about what may be causing them and which treatments may help.

References

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Comments
Questions

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That was one of my problem when I was chewing my jaw was so tired but I don’t know it was lupus causing all this. Well I don’t even know I have lupus till my body send me to the ER.