Waking up with a sore or stiff jaw can be an unpleasant way to start the day. You might notice tenderness around your jaw joints, aching facial muscles, headaches, or even discomfort when you chew. While occasional soreness isn’t necessarily cause for concern, regularly waking up with jaw pain may be a sign that something is happening while you sleep.
One common culprit is nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, but there are several possible reasons for morning jaw discomfort.
You May Be Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It can happen while you’re awake or asleep, and many people don’t realize they’re doing it at night.
When you repeatedly clench or grind your teeth during sleep, your jaw muscles can remain tense for hours. This can leave you with soreness or stiffness when you wake up. You may also experience headaches, tooth sensitivity, worn-down teeth, or increased jaw tenderness.
Stress and anxiety can contribute to teeth grinding, although bruxism can have other causes as well. If your dentist notices signs of grinding during an examination, they may recommend ways to protect your teeth and reduce strain on your jaw.
Your Sleep Position May Be Contributing
The way you sleep can sometimes affect your jaw and surrounding muscles. Sleeping on your stomach or in a position that puts pressure on your face may contribute to muscle tension or discomfort.
Changing your sleeping position may help if you notice that your jaw pain seems connected to how you sleep. A supportive pillow can also help keep your head and neck in a more comfortable position.
TMJ Disorder Could Be the Cause
Your temporomandibular joints, commonly called TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to open and close your mouth. Problems affecting these joints or the surrounding muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders, or TMD.
Morning jaw pain can be one symptom of TMD. Other possible symptoms include clicking or popping when you move your jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, facial pain, ear discomfort, and changes in how your teeth fit together.
If your symptoms are persistent or interfering with eating, speaking, sleeping, or other everyday activities, it’s worth talking with your dentist.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Treatment depends on what’s causing your discomfort. Your dentist can examine your teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles and ask about your symptoms and nighttime habits.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include a custom oral appliance to protect your teeth from grinding and reduce stress on your jaw. Your dentist may also recommend other approaches to address TMD symptoms and improve your comfort.
You don’t have to simply accept waking up with jaw pain every morning. Identifying the underlying cause is an important first step toward finding relief.
If morning jaw soreness has become a regular part of your routine, it’s worth bringing up at your next dental appointment.
About the Practice
Nova Smile Dental is led by Dr. Marjan Salari, DDS, a prosthodontist with advanced training in TMJ disorders, implant dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, and smile makeovers. After earning her dental degree in Belgium, Dr. Salari completed prosthodontic and TMJ-focused postgraduate training in Europe before completing a three-year prosthodontics residency at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She has extensive experience treating complex TMJ and restorative cases and is committed to creating a welcoming, personalized experience for every patient.
Call us at (703) 763-0800 or schedule your appointment online