Fixing Lockjaw Fast: Facial Exercises, Diagnosis, & More

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What to do if your jaw locks (and how to keep it from happening again)
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Your temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is one of the most used yet unrecognized joints in your entire body. It helps you chew food, talk to friends, and even smile. Thus, it can feel debilitating when your TMJ locks up. Don’t worry, though. A jammed TMJ is totally common. Your lockjaw may be caused by stress, facial misalignment, inflammation, or teeth grinding; and all of these are extremely treatable. In this article, we’ll walk you through expert advice on how to reduce facial soreness and get that jaw moving again ASAP.

Things You Should Know

  • Move your jaw around gently to loosen and exercise your TMJ. Open and close your mouth, and move your jaw from side to side.
  • Apply a warm compress to your jaw to loosen it up and gently massage the area with your fingers.
  • To prevent and treat lockjaw, consider wearing a mouthguard at night to reduce teeth grinding, and maintain a healthy diet of anti-inflammatory foods.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Massaging Your Jaw

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  1. Massaging your jaw can increase its mobility and reduce the pain in your face. However, you want your facial tissue to be loosened before you start moving it around manually. Wrap a heat pack in a towel or soak a clean towel in warm water. Apply the pack or compress to both sides of your jaw. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help relax your jaw and stimulate your blood vessels. [1]
    • Always warm up your jaw before you massage it so it is less tense and locked.
    • Apply the heat pack or compress several times a day, 10-15 minutes at a time, to help manage your locked jaw.
    • Heat can also reduce spasming and stiffness.
  2. Place your fingers on your lower jaw, just below your cheekbones. Knead your jaw gently, moving your fingers back toward your ear. Feel for a flat plane of bone just below your ear. Use 2-3 fingers to gently press on this area and knead it in a circular motion. Repeat this process on both sides of your face for 6-10 seconds. [2]
    • Massaging the triggered area can help loosen the muscles in your face, which will reduce tension and lower pain.
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  3. A spasming mandible is one of the major symptoms of TMJ. This muscle is located along your jawline on the lower area of your jaw. Apply pressure to it muscle for 5-10 seconds at a time to help release it. If it becomes too painful to do this, apply pressure for shorter amounts of time. [3]
    • You should feel your mandible muscle release over time as you apply pressure to it. For some people, this release can help to unlock their jaw or make it feel less tense.
  4. Place both thumbs on your jawline, just above the mandible muscle. Put pressure on the muscle as you move your thumbs down your jaw, stretching the muscle away from your upper jaw. This stretch can help to release your TMJ. [4]
    • You can also place two fingers on the mandible muscle and two fingers on your upper jaw to stimulate both at the same time. Then, move your fingers toward each other until the tips of your fingers sit between both areas. Keep your fingers in place for a few seconds to release the area.
    • Ask a friend or partner to help you with this massage if you find it difficult to do on your own.
  5. Keep your jaw relaxed as you place your hands on either side of your jaw. Gently move it from side to side. Do not tug or press hard on your jaw. Wiggle it slightly until it starts to feel less tense and locked. [5]
    • You can also try wiggling your jaw up and down using your hands as a guide. Rub your jaw lightly with your fingers as you move it up and down to help loosen it.
  6. Oftentimes, TMJ is caused by your articular disk (the cartilage in your jaw joint) sliding out of place. As your jaw starts to loosen, get in the habit of massaging it once a day. Warm it up first with a heat pack or a warm compress. Over time, it should start to unlock. Eventually, the disc should slide into place and your jaw should regain its normal movement. [6]
    • If you see no movement in 2-3 days or your jaw is too painful to massage, see your doctor right away. Do not force your jaw to move, as this can damage it further.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Performing Jaw Movement Exercises

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  1. Getting into the habit of regular jaw exercises will not only relieve the pain of lockjaw, it’ll create a healthier TMJ in the future. Start in a relaxed position on a mat or soft floor. Keep your head and neck loose on the floor as you lie down. [7]
    • You may prop your head up with a thin pillow if you find this more comfortable for your jaw and face.
  2. Breathe in and out a few times as you bring awareness to your face, jaw, and neck. Relax your facial muscles and pay attention to notice if your face or neck feel tight. Acknowledge that your jaw feels tense and uncomfortable.
    • While your mouth is closed, try running the tip of your tongue to your soft palate and holding it for about 5 seconds. This can help warm your jaw before you try larger ranges of motion.
    • Meditating regularly will also help loosen and relax your jaw.
  3. Inhale as you gently open your mouth a few inches. Only open it to a point where you feel no stress or strain. Then, exhale and close your mouth without letting your teeth touch. Keep your neck and face relaxed as you do this. [8]
    • Repeat these movements 5-10 times, inhaling each time you open your mouth and exhaling each time you close your mouth.
    • Do not force your mouth to open and close if it starts to tense up or feel tight. Let your jaw rest when needed so you do not damage it further.
  4. If your jaw doesn’t feel too painful or sore after opening your mouth, try increasing its side-to-side mobility. Shift your jaw to the left and then to the right without moving your head. Inhale as you shift it to the left a few inches. Exhale as you bring it back to the center. Then, inhale as you shift it to the right a few inches. [9]
    • If your jaw starts to hurt or tense up, take a break. Don’t overexert your jaw, as this can make it worse.
  5. Get in the habit of regular TMJ exercise to increase your jaw’s range of motion and keep it from locking it up again. [10] Try doing these simple movements at the same time every day so your jaw gets used to the routine.
    • If your jaw does not loosen up or becomes more painful, go see your doctor for treatment.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Seeing Your Doctor for Treatment

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  1. If your jaw doesn’t loosen up with massage or movement exercises, see your doctor for guidance. Your doctor can help to determine the cause of your locked jaw and provide options to unlock it. [11]
    • Your doctor may prescribe medicine to treat your locked jaw or TMJ, such as NSAIDs like Aspirin or ibuprofen, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety medicine, or a low-dose antidepressant. Talk to your doctor before you add any medications, even if they are over-the-counter.
  2. Lockjaw has many symptoms: toothaches, facial swelling, tension near your eyes, difficulty chewing. Most of these are mild, but, in some cases, TMJ can become so severe it causes tension headaches, neck pain, and even tinnitus. Speak to your doctor if you experience these symptoms so they don’t get worse. [12]
  3. Your doctor will start by gently examining your jaw area to determine how severe your condition is. They may also order X-rays of your jaw to get a better idea of the damage or misalignment of your jaw bone. Ideally, they’ll be able to diagnose the cause of your TMJ (facial infection, joint disorders, everyday stress) and treat it accordingly. [13]
    • In some cases, your doctor will get an MRI done of your jaw to get a closer look at your TMJ.
  4. Your doctor will give you a local anesthesia or a muscle relaxant so you don’t tense up your jaw. They will then pull your lower jaw down and guide the disc in your jaw back into place. [14]
    • This procedure can be done in your doctor’s office and is not usually painful.
    • You will need to maintain a liquid diet for several days after the procedure to allow your jaw to recover.
  5. Botox can help to relax the muscles in your jaw and relieve any stress on your TMJ. Your doctor will inject Botox directly into your jaw muscles, which will cause them to loosen (and may even smooth out your jawline). [15]
    • Botox injections in your jaw muscles should only be used occasionally, as too much Botox can cause your jaw muscles to weaken.
    • Keep in mind your health insurance may not cover the use of Botox injections, as they may be considered a cosmetic treatment. Check with your insurance provider for more information.
  6. If your jaw locks on a regular basis, your doctor may suggest surgery on your jaw joint to ensure it stays in place. This surgery is considered invasive and will require substantial recovery time where you must maintain a liquid diet and keep your mouth wired shut so it can heal. Your doctor will outline the risks and recovery time for the surgery before you get it done. [16]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Maintaining a Healthy Jaw

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  1. Oftentimes, TMJ is caused by teeth grinding, which lots of us do at night without even realizing. Consider getting a plastic mouthpiece to cover your teeth and prevent you from clenching your jaw. You can also ask your doctor to create a custom mouthguard for you to wear at night. It will be molded to fit your teeth and bite, making it more comfortable than a generic mouthguard you buy at the store. [17]
    • Make sure the mouthguard fits you well and that you wear it every night. Mouthguards will only help prevent lockjaw if they’re used regularly.
  2. Stay away from tough meats like steak and raw vegetables like carrots or broccoli. [18] Don’t eat hard or chewy candies, as they can put stress on your jaw. In addition, avoid chewing on ice cubes, as they can be hard on your teeth and jaw.
    • When you eat, don’t open your mouth too wide, as this can cause the disc in your jaw to shift. Chew your food slowly and carefully so you don’t bite down too hard or shift your jaw out of place.
  3. Stress and anxiety can cause you to clench or tighten your jaw, which can lead to lockjaw. Stay active by exercising once a day, or going for a relaxing run or walk so you have an outlet for your stress. Do a calming activity like painting, knitting, or drawing on a regular basis so you can stay relaxed. [19]
    • You can also spend time with friends and family to de-stress and stay chill.
  4. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine where specialists insert fine needles into your skin to relieve pressure in various areas. It’s been proven to relax the muscles in your face (which can loosen your jaw) and keep patients more calm and relaxed throughout the day (which will prevent TMJ in the future). [20]
    • Do some research to see if there are any acupuncture clinics in your area. A typical session usually only costs around $100 (including tip) and can keep you relaxed for weeks on end.
    • Talk to your doctor beforehand to make sure [ acupuncture ] can help you and won’t worsen any pain.
  5. Facial inflammation is a major cause of lockjaw. Eating healthy can reduce the likelihood of swelling and help you avoid TMJ in the future. Consume foods that are rich in antioxidants like berries and green veggies, lots of omega-3 fatty acids (which can be found in nuts, plant oils, seeds, eggs, yogurt, and juices), and plenty of protein. [21]
    • In addition, stay away from foods that can cause inflammation like dairy, gluten, added sugar or salt, fried foods, processed meats, and snack crackers or chips.
    • Make sure you’re getting plenty of fluids too . Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of lockjaw so drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
  6. Lockjaw is sometimes a cause of tetanus (a bacterial infection that can cause muscle contractions). Vitamin C is one of the most powerful agents used in fighting and treating tetanus. [22] Magnesium has also shown to dramatically lower symptoms of lockjaw alongside antibiotics. [23] Take a vitamin C and magnesium sulfate tablet once a day each to help combat infection and reduce your likelihood of TMJ.
    • If you don’t feel like taking a supplement, you can get these nutrients by consuming vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and potatoes, as well as magnesium-rich snacks like seeds, nuts, and oats.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are common triggers for TMJ?
    Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
    Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
    Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.
    Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
    Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
    Expert Answer
    Any action that you perform with your mouth that is not related to eating, drinking, or speaking is considered a parafunction and can be bad for your dental and TMJ health. These would include biting fingernails, constant chewing of gum, eating hard or chewy food, and voluntary or involuntary grinding of the teeth.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p00918
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stubborn-tmj-pain-try-trigger-point-massage-and-jaw-exercises/
      3. ↑ https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/self-massage-for-tmj-disorders-704362
      4. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/1115/p1483.html
      5. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/1115/p1483.html
      6. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder-tmd/
      7. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/september/tmj-pain-relief-8-best-practices-to-help-manage-tmd
      8. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/september/tmj-pain-relief-8-best-practices-to-help-manage-tmd
      9. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/september/tmj-pain-relief-8-best-practices-to-help-manage-tmd
      1. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview
      3. ↑ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-12/tmj-disorders.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350945
      5. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/jaw-dislocation
      6. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/unlocking-the-lock-jaw-temporomandibular-joint-tmj-dysfunction-2017022211146
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350945
      8. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/unlocking-the-lock-jaw-temporomandibular-joint-tmj-dysfunction-2017022211146
      9. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      10. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536091/
      12. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
      13. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24226506/
      14. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20191795/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To unlock your jaw, place your fingers on your lower jaw, and knead gently in a circular motion to warm up the muscles and cause them to loosen up. Alternatively, use your hands to gently wiggle your jaw from side to side. You can also try relaxing your jaw with a warm compress by soaking a towel in warm water and applying it to your jaw for 10 to 15 minutes. If your jaw does not loosen with any of these methods, see a doctor right away for further treatment. For more advice from our Medical reviewer, including how to maintain a healthy jaw with jaw movement exercises, keep reading.

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