Temporal Mandibular Joints: What to Do If Your Jaw Locks

Experiencing a locked jaw can be painful, frustrating, and even frightening. Often caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), this condition affects the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. When these joints malfunction, it can lead to muscle stiffness, joint pain, and limited jaw movement—commonly referred to as lockjaw.

At BASS Medical Group, our providers can help diagnose the root cause of your TMJ pain and recommend treatment to help you feel relief.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on each side of your jaw and act like hinges that allow you to speak, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with these joints or the surrounding muscles, it can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

TMD symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw or near the ears
• Difficulty or pain while chewing
• Clicking, popping, or grinding when opening the mouth
• A sensation of the jaw being "stuck" or "locked"

Lockjaw from TMD differs from lockjaw associated with tetanus, though the symptoms may appear similar.

What Causes TMD and Jaw Locking?

The exact cause of TMD is not always known, but some common contributors include:

• Jaw injury or trauma
• Arthritis (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Joint misalignment
• Connective tissue disorders
• Stress, which may cause muscle tension in the face and jaw

Inside the TMJ, a small disk separates the bones and helps them move smoothly. If this disk shifts out of place or the cartilage becomes damaged, the joint may lock up.

What to Do If Your Jaw Locks

If your jaw becomes locked or stuck in place:

1. Stay calm. Anxiety can make the muscle tension worse.
2. Apply warm compresses to the sides of your face for 15–20 minutes to help relax the jaw muscles.
3. Try gentle jaw movements: With your palms on either side of your jaw, slowly attempt side-to-side or back-and-forth movements.
4. Avoid forcing the jaw open. If it's stuck, do not apply strong pressure—this can cause further injury.
5. Call a medical provider if the issue doesn’t resolve on its own or occurs frequently.

When to See a Doctor for TMD

You should schedule an appointment if:

• Jaw locking happens frequently or worsens
• You experience sharp pain in the jaw, ears, or face
• Over-the-counter remedies don’t help
• You have difficulty eating or speaking due to pain or stiffness

Get Relief from TMJ Pain at BASS Medical Group

While many TMJ disorders improve with home care, persistent symptoms or jaw locking may require professional treatment. At BASS Medical Group, our board-certified providers help patients manage jaw pain with personalized evaluations and expert guidance.

Serving Walnut Creek, Oakland, San Francisco, and surrounding areas.
Request an appointment to get started with care today.