The movements of your lower jaw are what allow you to speak and eat with ease. But what if your jaw starts to feel tight or stiff? What if it becomes locked? Such issues can be both painful and worrisome. What might be causing the problem, and how can you find relief? This blog post provides some practical guidance.
What Can Cause a Tight or Locked Jaw?
Some possible causes of a tight or locked jaw include:
- TMJ disorder. This is a condition that afflicts the joints just in front of your ears, which control movements of the lower jaw.
- Injuries. Some facial injuries can cause muscle stiffness throughout the face, including the jaw.
- Infections. Certain dental infections may affect nerves and other vital structures that control your jaw.
- Stress. A high-stress lifestyle may cause muscle tension throughout your body, including your face and jaw.
- Bruxism. Also known as teeth grinding and clenching, this habit can cause a sensation of tightness throughout the face, neck, and other nearby areas.
- Excessive chewing. Overindulging in extremely chewy foods may cause tightness and fatigue in the muscles that control your jaw.
- Tetanus. This is a rare bacterial infection that can cause painful muscle contractions throughout the face and neck. Most people in the United States have been vaccinated against it.
How Can You Find Relief?
Persistent jaw pain and stiffness are a good reason to visit a professional for care. Many dentists are highly trained in TMJ disorder and related issues, such as bruxism. They are often able to pinpoint the cause of jaw tightness and design a treatment plan for lasting relief. For example, you might need a special mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding while you sleep.
There are also some home remedies for jaw stiffness that you might find helpful:
- Perform exercises. For example, you could gently move your jaw from side to side, repeatedly open your mouth, or do some stretches. Be careful, and if a movement causes significant pain, stop doing it.
- Apply heat. A hot towel or another type of heat may help to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.
- Give your jaw a break. Try to stick to eating only soft foods for at least a few days. You may also find it beneficial to minimize speaking.
- Relax. Reducing overall stress levels may help to relieve muscle tension and jaw stiffness.
- Take pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter pain relievers may be able to provide a temporary reduction in discomfort.
A stiff or locked jaw can be annoying! Use the tips in this article to manage your condition and, hopefully, find long-term relief.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Brandon Brunner has been practicing in Brookfield for almost 20 years. He has special enthusiasm for helping patients to find relief from TMJ disorder and its many symptoms, including jaw stiffness, pain, and teeth grinding. If you are concerned about the health of your jaw, he and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contract The TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Wisconsin at 262-784-7201.