{"id":154,"date":"2024-11-21T05:36:51","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T05:36:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=154"},"modified":"2024-12-17T07:24:52","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T07:24:52","slug":"what-does-a-stiff-or-locked-jaw-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=154","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Stiff or Locked Jaw Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, rWhen you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, reducing your quality of life in the process. The good news is that there are various ways to address this particular jaw issue<\/a>. By using them, you\u2019ll be on the path to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably again! Just keep reading to learn what a stiff or locked jaw means, useful home remedies, and when to get proper dental care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes a Stiff or Locked Jaw?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Often enough, a stiff or locked jaw doesn\u2019t happen randomly. It\u2019s usually caused by TMD \u2013 a temporomandibular joint disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TMD is (in)famous for how it affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. The condition can cause pain and locking in one or both hinge joints \u2013 the TMJs. Other symptoms include tenderness near the ear and face, painful popping in the jaw joints, and difficulty chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you suffer from several of the signs above, you likely have TMD. That means your stiff or locked jaw won\u2019t just go away on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Manage It at Home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your jaw\u2019s stiffness isn\u2019t too severe, you can manage it at home by performing some exercises. These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n