Lockjaw: When You Can’t Open Your Jaw All the Way

If you’re struggling to fully open your jaw, you’re not alone. Many people experience jaw tightness or locking, especially in the morning or throughout the day. This can be frustrating, painful, and even scary. While infections or dental issues like wisdom tooth eruptions can sometimes be the cause, lockjaw is most often linked to problems with the TMJ (jaw joints), jaw muscles, or neck and shoulder tension.

Why Can’t You Open Your Jaw All the Way?

Common causes of limited jaw opening include:

  • TMJ issues, such as cartilage slippage, ligament instability, or joint inflammation
  • Jaw muscle tension or spasms
  • Neck and shoulder muscle tension affecting jaw movement
  • Poor posture, stress, or jaw overuse behaviors

Why Can’t You Open Your Jaw All the Way?

Since TMJ disorders are orthopedic in nature, symptoms like restricted movement and pain are common. Some patients can barely open their mouths wide enough to fit one finger inside when symptoms are severe.

If Your Jaw Won’t Open in the Morning

Morning jaw tightness is often due to:

  • Joint displacement (stuck TMJ disc)
  • Jaw muscle spasms from clenching or grinding overnight

Try this simple 5-step method to relieve muscle tension:

  • Take a hot shower
  • Let the water run on your face while massaging your temples and jaw muscles
  • Do this for five minutes
  • Rest for a minute, then repeat for another five minutes
  • If pain persists for several days, seek professional treatment

If the problem continues, your TMJ disc may be stuck, and seeing a dentist who is well trained in TMJ problems is the best next step.

If Your Jaw Tightens Throughout the Day

Some people wake up with normal jaw function but experience progressive tightness as the day goes on. This may be due to:

  • Jaw or neck muscle fatigue
  • Poor posture (especially while using a computer or phone)
  • Stress and emotional tension
  • Jaw overuse behaviors

Habits That Can Worsen Lockjaw

To reduce TMJ-related jaw tightness, avoid:

  • Nail-biting
  • Chewing on pens, pencils, or gum
  • Lip or cheek biting
  • Clenching or grinding your teeth (especially while working on a computer)
  • Forward head posture while using a phone or computer

When to See Us

If your jaw remains locked, tight, or painful despite home remedies, it’s time to seek professional care. At Point Richmond Dental Studio, we are very well trained in TMJ treatment, jaw mobility restoration, and pain relief.

How We Can Help

  • BOTOX® or other neurotoxin injections to relax tight jaw muscles
  • Custom oral appliances to reduce pressure on the TMJ
  • Trigger point therapy & dry needling
  • Lifestyle adjustments to prevent recurrence

Get Help for Lockjaw Today

Don’t let jaw pain or limited movement disrupt your life. Call Point Richmond Dental Studio at (510) 233-4470 to schedule an appointment today.