Jaw dysfunction happens when the muscles, ligaments, or joints of the jaw aren’t in sync. Most often, it has to do with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. This joint connects your jaw to your skull and plays a big role in pretty much every movement your mouth makes. When it stops working like it should, you might start to notice pain, limited movement, or strange sounds when you chew or talk.

Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Clicking or popping when opening or closing your mouth
• Difficulty chewing certain foods
• Jaw that locks, feels stuck, or opens unevenly
• Tired or sore facial muscles
• Headaches, especially around the temples
• Pain spreading to the neck or shoulders

Sometimes you can pinpoint the cause. Maybe you clench your jaw during the day or grind your teeth at night. Maybe you had a previous injury to your jaw or face. Other times, the cause is less obvious. Long-term stress, poor posture, or even how your teeth align can all play a role.

Stress, in particular, often goes unnoticed as a trigger. Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaw when they’re anxious or tense, often without realizing it until discomfort starts showing up. Over time, that tension puts extra pressure on your jaw joints and muscles. You might not notice it until you wake up one morning with pain or stiffness that won't go away.

Tension that builds over time, disrupted sleep, and tight jaw muscles can lead to a chain reaction of problems. Night after night of teeth grinding or daytime clenching impacts the way you sleep, move, and eat. The longer it goes untreated, the more likely it is to impact your mood and focus too. Recognizing these signs early helps you get ahead of the issue.