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Causes of a locked jaw -

There are several causes for jaw tightness, which range from mild to severe.

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Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJD) -

TMD can cause pain or locking in one or both hinge joints (temporomandibular joints). These joints are located between the lower jaw and the temporal bone.

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Stress and anxiety -

Muscle tension throughout the body, including your jaw, increases when you are under a lot of stress or feeling anxious. Stress can also cause other associated symptoms, such as tension headaches.

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) -

RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which affects muscles and joints throughout the body. Research suggests that up to 86% of people with RA have TMD, which is a cause of tightness in the jaw.

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Teeth grinding (bruxism) -

Bruxism can cause tightness or soreness in the face, neck, and upper or lower jaw. It can also cause headaches or earaches.

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Excessive chewing -

Chewing gum or any other substance in excess may result in tightness in the lower jaw.

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Tetanus -

Tetanus (lockjaw) is a potentially fatal bacterial infection with symptoms like painful muscle contractions in the jaw and neck. Fortunately, tetanus vaccines are available to help prevent infection.

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Osteoarthritis (OA) -

Though rare, it's possible for OA to occur within the temporomandibular joints. It can cause deterioration and loss of function of the jaw bone, cartilage, and tissue.

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Medications -

A case study from 2014 found that antipsychotic drugs and metoclopramide (Reglan), a medication used for stomach and esophageal problems, may trigger jaw pain symptoms.

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Facial trauma -

An injury to the face may affect part of the jaw that causes movement, resulting in pain or tightness.

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Infections -

An infection in the mouth, such as a tooth abscess, can affect jaw movement.

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When to see a doctor -

A person experiencing headaches and severe pain in the jaw when moving or swallowing food should consult a doctor. 

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Diagnosing jaw pain -

Tight jaw muscles can be diagnosed by a physical exam performed by your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist. Treatment can begin once the underlying cause is clear. 

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Treatments for a tight jaw -

Several home remedies and medical treatments may help provide relief from jaw tightness.

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Jaw exercises -

Movement can help decrease tightness in jaw muscles. However, some exercises can worsen symptoms, depending on the underlying condition.

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NSAIDs -

Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used to help decrease inflammation and pain. 

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Heat and cold -

Hot packs and ice packs can be applied to the side of your face to help reduce symptoms. Heat increases blood flow to the area, which helps tight muscles relax, while cold reduces blood flow to help decrease inflammation and pain.

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Massage of facial muscles -

Tightness in the chewing muscles in your temples and cheeks can be treated with massage. 

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Mouthguards and splints -

Mouth guards and splints are often used to treat tight jaw muscles from teeth grinding and clenching, particularly at night. Basic mouthguards are available over the counter, but you might need custom-molded ones. 

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Dietary changes -

Avoiding certain foods that are fatty, chewy, or crunchy can help reduce your symptoms if you have tight jaw muscles. 

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Other treatments for a tight jaw -

A variety of other treatments are available to reduce tightness in your jaw muscles.

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Prescription muscle relaxants and pain relievers -

In some cases, prescription medications are used to treat issues with tight jaws. Prescription pain medications can be helpful when NSAIDs are not effective, but they also have potentially harmful side effects. 

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Physical therapy -

Tight jaw muscles are frequently treated with physical therapy. Physiotherapists use methods such as massage, stretching, strengthening exercises, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. 

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Injections -

Injections include lidocaine to reduce pain, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and Botox to relieve tight muscles. 

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Prevention -

People can use a number of strategies to prevent tightness and pain in the jaw. 

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Relaxing activities -

One method of prevention is trying stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, meditation, and exercising. 

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Avoid certain foods -

Another method is to avoid certain chewy foods like steak, nuts, taffy, and raw carrots.
Sources: (Healthline) (Verywell Health) (Medical New Today)
See also: Face yoga: the natural way to defy aging

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