Losing a tooth can be a jarring experience, both figuratively and literally. In addition to obvious cosmetic concerns, missing teeth can lead to several other problems, including jaw pain. When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. This can cause the remaining teeth to shift out of place, putting extra strain on the jaw joints and muscles. Over time, this can lead to pain and stiffness in the jaw. Sometimes, it may even make it difficult to open and close the mouth. If you are missing one or more teeth, you must talk to your dentist about ways to prevent jaw pain.