Why Do My Cheekbones Hurt?

Pain felt around the cheekbone area does not always originate from the bone itself. The sinuses, teeth, chewing muscles, temporomandibular joint and other nearby anatomical structures may all cause pain in a similar region.

For this reason, the cause cannot be determined solely from the location of the pain. When the pain started, whether it affects one or both sides, whether it changes with chewing or jaw movement, and any accompanying symptoms should be considered together.

Where Is the Cheekbone Located?

The cheekbone, medically known as the zygomatic bone, is one of the bones that contributes to the shape of the side of the face.

Because it is anatomically close to the eye socket, upper jaw, cheek and temple region, pain originating from nearby structures may also be perceived as cheekbone pain.

Why Do Cheekbones Hurt?

Possible causes of pain around the cheekbone region may include:

• Sinus-related problems
• Pain originating from upper teeth
• Tension in the chewing muscles
• Teeth clenching or grinding
• Temporomandibular joint-related symptoms
• Trauma to the facial region
• Referred pain from surrounding tissues

Can the Sinuses Cause Cheekbone Pain?

Yes. Problems involving the sinuses located near the upper jaw and cheek region may sometimes be felt as facial pressure or pain.

If nasal congestion, facial pressure or similar symptoms are present, the pain should not automatically be assumed to have a dental or jaw-related cause.

Can Dental Problems Cause Pain in the Cheekbone Area?

The back teeth of the upper jaw are anatomically close to the sinus and cheek region.

Some dental problems may therefore cause pain that is felt in the upper jaw or cheek area.

If the pain is associated with sensitivity in a particular tooth, discomfort while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold, dental evaluation may be appropriate.

Can Teeth Clenching Cause Pain Around the Cheekbones?

Clenching or grinding the teeth may increase the activity of the chewing muscles.

Tension in muscles such as the masseter and temporalis may be felt as pain in the jaw, temple or side of the face.

For this reason, pain that a patient describes as “bone pain” may sometimes originate from muscle tissue.

Can the Jaw Joint Cause Pain Around the Cheekbone?

The temporomandibular joint is located in front of the ear and works together with the chewing muscles.

Some problems involving the jaw joint or surrounding muscles may produce pain that is felt along the side of the face.

Pain during mouth opening, jaw sounds or restricted movement may indicate that jaw function should also be evaluated.

What Can Cause One-Sided Cheekbone Pain?

Pain affecting only the right or left side does not identify one specific cause.

Possible explanations may include a unilateral sinus problem, dental source, muscle tenderness, temporomandibular joint symptoms or trauma.

Can Cheekbone Pain Spread to the Ear or Temple?

The muscles and joints of the face and jaw are located close to one another, so pain may sometimes be felt in more than one region.

Muscle- and jaw-joint-related symptoms in particular may be perceived around the temple, in front of the ear or along the side of the face.

What Does It Mean If the Cheekbone Hurts While Chewing?

Pain that increases while chewing may indicate that structures active during chewing, such as the teeth, chewing muscles or jaw joint, should be evaluated.

The exact cause cannot be determined from this symptom alone.

Why Can the Face and Cheekbone Area Hurt in the Morning?

Morning fatigue or tenderness in the jaw and facial muscles may sometimes be associated with nighttime teeth clenching or grinding.

However, this symptom alone is not sufficient to diagnose bruxism.

Is Cheekbone Pain After Trauma Important?

Pain that begins after a blow to the face should be evaluated carefully.

Medical assessment should not be delayed if there is significant swelling, a change in facial shape, limited mouth opening, numbness or visual symptoms.

How Is Cheekbone Pain Managed?

The appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause.

Sinus-related pain, dental pain, muscle tenderness and temporomandibular joint problems are not managed in the same way.

For this reason, one treatment method should not be assumed to be suitable for everyone before the source of the pain is identified.

What Is Evaluated When Chewing Muscle Pain Is Suspected?

Tenderness in the chewing muscles, teeth clenching habits, jaw movements and daily habits may be assessed.

When appropriate, individualized advice may be provided to reduce behaviours that excessively strain the jaw.

Can a Night Guard Relieve Cheekbone Pain?

A night guard is not automatically prescribed to every patient with facial or jaw pain.

The need for a splint should be determined after evaluating clenching, chewing muscles, joint findings and the overall clinical picture.

Is Cheekbone Pain an Orthodontic Problem?

Cheekbone or facial pain alone does not mean that orthodontic treatment is required.

The relationship between the teeth and jaws may be included in the assessment, but pain may originate from a range of dental, muscular, sinus-related or medical causes.

Orthodontic treatment should not automatically be planned solely to eliminate facial pain.

When Should Cheekbone Pain Be Evaluated?

Clinical assessment is appropriate when facial or cheekbone pain persists, recurs or interferes with daily life.

Evaluation should not be delayed particularly when any of the following are present:

• Significant pain following trauma
• Facial swelling or a change in facial shape
• Fever or deterioration in general health
• Marked restriction in mouth opening
• Numbness or altered sensation
• Swelling around the eye or changes in vision
• Progressively worsening pain

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheekbone Pain

Why do my cheekbones hurt?

Possible causes may include the sinuses, teeth, chewing muscles, temporomandibular joint, trauma or referred pain from nearby structures.

Can teeth clenching cause cheekbone pain?

Muscle tension associated with clenching may cause pain along the side of the face. However, it cannot be assumed without examination that clenching is the only cause.

Can sinus problems cause cheekbone pain?

Some sinus-related conditions may cause pressure or pain around the cheek and upper jaw region.

Can TMJ pain be felt in the cheekbone area?

Some symptoms originating from the temporomandibular joint or chewing muscles may be perceived along the side of the face.

Is one-sided cheekbone pain serious?

Pain affecting only one side does not automatically indicate a serious problem, but persistent pain or symptoms accompanied by other findings should be evaluated.

Does cheekbone pain require orthodontic treatment?

Not every case of facial pain requires orthodontic treatment. The need for orthodontic care is determined separately after evaluating the teeth and jaw relationships.

Content Last Updated: 2 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. Pain felt around the cheekbone and facial region may originate from dental, muscular, joint-related, sinus-related or other anatomical structures; persistent, worsening or associated symptoms should therefore be evaluated appropriately.