Why is Your Jaw So Tight? Causes and Treatments
Jaw muscles contract and relax to move the lower jaw sometimes referred to as the mandible. Additionally, it is the only component of the jaw that moves during speaking or eating. The jaw muscles can, however, occasionally become stiff and sore, much like any other muscle in the body. The mandible's ability to move and even the jaw joints are also impacted by this stiffness. But what precisely is the source of this constriction, and what can be done to relieve it?
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be caused by genetics, stress, or dental problems like misaligned teeth. This unconscious habit can occur while awake or asleep, which can cause permanent damage to the teeth and trigger other symptoms like jaw pain.
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The culprits behind jaw tightness
The joint of the jaw, referred to as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. The muscles surrounding the TMJ control all the movements of the jaw like opening and closing the mouth. Depending on the cause, you can experience jaw tightness and jaw pain on different parts of the face; the left, right, or even both sides. The intensity of the pain can even vary from mild to severe pain, which intensifies when chewing or yawning. Below is a list of potential causes of jaw tightness. (Related: Headaches, injuries, and more: Possible causes of facial pain plus some natural remedies.)
Temporomandibular joint disorders
TMD or TMJD refers to a group of conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the TMJ and the muscles that control jaw movement. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that TMD affects around 10 million Americans and the condition is much more common in women than men.
The culprits behind jaw tightness
The joint of the jaw, referred to as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. The muscles surrounding the TMJ control all the movements of the jaw like opening and closing the mouth. Depending on the cause, you can experience jaw tightness and jaw pain on different parts of the face; the left, right, or even both sides. The intensity of the pain can even vary from mild to severe pain, which intensifies when chewing or yawning. Below is a list of potential causes of jaw tightness. (Related: Headaches, injuries, and more: Possible causes of facial pain plus some natural remedies.)
Temporomandibular joint disorders
TMD or TMJD refers to a group of conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the TMJ and the muscles that control jaw movement. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that TMD affects around 10 million Americans and the condition is much more common in women than men.
ALSO:Home Remedies to Fix a Cracked or Broken Tooth
Tetanus
Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. The infection is characterized by painful muscle contractions in the neck and jaw caused by toxins produced by C. tetani. If left untreated, tetanus can be life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 to 20 percent of tetanus infections are fatal.
Stress and anxiety
Both stress and anxiety are common causes of muscle tension. When under the effects of stress or anxiety, you might inadvertently clench your jaw or grind your teeth when you’re asleep. You can even hold your jaw in that clenched position while you’re awake without you being aware of it. Over time, this causes strain to your jaw muscles and leads to muscle stiffness.
Tetanus
Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. The infection is characterized by painful muscle contractions in the neck and jaw caused by toxins produced by C. tetani. If left untreated, tetanus can be life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 to 20 percent of tetanus infections are fatal.
Stress and anxiety
Both stress and anxiety are common causes of muscle tension. When under the effects of stress or anxiety, you might inadvertently clench your jaw or grind your teeth when you’re asleep. You can even hold your jaw in that clenched position while you’re awake without you being aware of it. Over time, this causes strain to your jaw muscles and leads to muscle stiffness.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be caused by genetics, stress, or dental problems like misaligned teeth. This unconscious habit can occur while awake or asleep, which can cause permanent damage to the teeth and trigger other symptoms like jaw pain.
ALSO: Avoid These 5 Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth
While having a tight jaw can be annoying and even debilitating at times, you can easily circumvent this by applying certain techniques and strategies that can help relieve the tightness and pain in the jaw:
Jaw joint stretches: In some cases, you might be able to relieve tightness in the jaw by doing exercises that target the jaw muscles. Exercises like relaxed jaw stretching, goldfish exercises, and resistance mouth opening can all contribute to healthier and looser jaw muscles.
Dietary changes: People experiencing jaw tightness might find it much easier to eat soft foods that require less chewing. This puts significantly less pressure on your jaw joint and jaw muscles, giving them time to heal. Consider adding foods like tofu, yogurt, smoothies, and apple sauce to your diet.
Mouthguards: If you grind your teeth frequently, a mouthguard may help lessen the contact between your upper and lower teeth. This can lessen the wear and strain they endure and get rid of jaw pain and tightness. Additionally, some mouthguard designs might help realign a misplaced jaw joint.
Jaw problems including tightness and soreness are rather frequent. Apply any of the aforementioned techniques or speak with your natural health practitioner to help you get rid of any pain or stiffness you may be feeling.
How to take care of your jaw
While having a tight jaw can be annoying and even debilitating at times, you can easily circumvent this by applying certain techniques and strategies that can help relieve the tightness and pain in the jaw:
Jaw joint stretches: In some cases, you might be able to relieve tightness in the jaw by doing exercises that target the jaw muscles. Exercises like relaxed jaw stretching, goldfish exercises, and resistance mouth opening can all contribute to healthier and looser jaw muscles.
Dietary changes: People experiencing jaw tightness might find it much easier to eat soft foods that require less chewing. This puts significantly less pressure on your jaw joint and jaw muscles, giving them time to heal. Consider adding foods like tofu, yogurt, smoothies, and apple sauce to your diet.
Mouthguards: If you grind your teeth frequently, a mouthguard may help lessen the contact between your upper and lower teeth. This can lessen the wear and strain they endure and get rid of jaw pain and tightness. Additionally, some mouthguard designs might help realign a misplaced jaw joint.
Jaw problems including tightness and soreness are rather frequent. Apply any of the aforementioned techniques or speak with your natural health practitioner to help you get rid of any pain or stiffness you may be feeling.
READ ALSO:How to Treat Tonsilitis Permanently and Naturally
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