Locked Jaw? How to Unlock Your Jaw & Prevent Future Discomfort

TL;DR

What is lockjaw? A condition where your jaw gets stuck or becomes hard to move.
Common causes: TMJ disorder, muscle spasms, teeth grinding, and jaw injuries.
How to unlock your jaw: Warm compress, massage, slow movement, relaxation techniques.
Medical help: Seek a doctor if the jaw stays locked or if you experience recurring pain.
Prevention tips: Avoid wide yawns, reduce stress, use night guards, and care for jaw muscles.

Have you ever yawned or taken a big bite of food and suddenly realized you couldn’t close your mouth? That uncomfortable click or tight feeling in your jaw might mean you're dealing with a locked jaw, commonly referred to as lockjaw, but is actually tetanus. Let’s explore what is lockjaw, how to get relief, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

What Is Lockjaw?

Lockjaw is a condition where your jaw becomes stiff or stuck, making it difficult—or impossible—to open or close your mouth properly. It can feel scary and painful, especially if it’s your first time experiencing it. While it’s often temporary, chronic cases may indicate an underlying issue with the jaw joint or jaw muscles.

Common Lockjaw Causes

So, how do you get your jaw to unlock, and more importantly, what causes it to lock up in the first place? Some of the most common lockjaw causes include:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): A problem with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Muscle spasms: Overuse or stress can cause jaw muscles to tighten suddenly.
Stress and teeth grinding: Clenching your jaw at night puts strain on the joint.
Injury or trauma: A blow to the jaw can disrupt normal jaw movement.
Medical conditions: Infections like tetanus can lead to true “lockjaw,” though this is rare today due to vaccines.

How to Unlock Your Jaw

If your jaw is currently stuck and you’re wondering how to unlock your jaw, try these gentle approaches first:

Apply warm compresses to the side of your face to relax the muscles.
Massage the jaw muscles gently in a circular motion.
Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to reduce tension.
Try slow, controlled movements—carefully open and close your mouth, or shift side to side.

Still stuck? Over-the-counter muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatories may help reduce spasms. But if your jaw remains locked or pain worsens, it’s time to see a medical professional.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience frequent episodes of lockjaw, ongoing jaw pain, or limited jaw movement, don’t wait. A doctor or TMJ specialist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment options like:

Custom bite guards to reduce grinding
Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the jaw
Prescription muscle relaxers for persistent tension
In some cases, Botox injections or jaw surgery for severe TMJ issues

Preventing Future Lockjaw Episodes

The best treatment is prevention. To avoid getting a locked jaw again:

Avoid chewing gum or tough foods that strain the jaw
Don’t open your mouth too wide when yawning
Reduce stress with meditation or gentle stretching
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Maintain good posture, especially at your desk or while sleeping

Lockjaw can be alarming, but it's manageable with the right care and prevention strategies. Understanding the jaw joint, listening to your body, and treating jaw muscles with care can help you avoid future discomfort—and keep you smiling freely.

If you’re dealing with a locked jaw and need help, don’t wait. Talk to a specialist to get your jaw movement back on track. Learn if your locked jaw is caused by TMJ and how to permanently solve it.