Man unable to close mouth after yawning; ENT specialist explains all about 'locked jaw' condition

ENT specialist explains all about 'locked jaw' condition

A video that was uploaded on X shows how a man at a railway station was unable to close his mouth after yawning. He simply sits there on the bench with his mouth open. This is actually a condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation. Colloquially, it is also referred to as "locked jaw".

To help treat this, a doctor then intervenes and after a few attempts, the man is able to move his jaw again. In the video, it appears the doctor tries to hold the jaw wide open by stuffing a piece of paper or cloth in it. Moneycontrol's health and fitness team spoke to Dr. Abhinit Kumar, Senior Consultant, ENT, Aakash Healthcare, to understand more about this condition.

Take a look at the video:

The passenger received treatment at the railway station after being unable to close his mouth after yawning."
The condition mentioned is commonly known as a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dislocation or sometimes referred to as "locked jaw." pic.twitter.com/jNHcYugROr

— SETHU (@KodappullySethu) October 18, 2025

"So, basically, what happens is that the lower jaw bone moves out of its normal place and gets stuck. Due to this, the person is not able to close their mouth properly. It is not a very common problem and it happens when when people keep their mouth open too wide while yawning, laughing, or eating. It also happens if the jaw joint is too weak," explains the doctor.

Also read: Would you eat yogurt made with ants? Ancient food traditions are making a wild comeback

While in the video, the man could move his jaw after a few minutes. The real question is if it's possible that in extreme cases a person is not able to move their jaw again for a very long time. The doctor shares that it in extreme cases, a person may experience this problem at a greater frequency. "In extreme situations, the person may experience pain, swelling, or face difficulty while talking and eating. The jaw also may suffer and become very weak. It is also true that surgery is the only option if the condition worsens," says the doctor.

Dr. Kumar also states categorically that the jaw must be gently pushed back into its place only by a doctor or a trained medical professional. "No commoner should ever try to fix the jaw in a situation like this, as that may end up result in more pain or even injury," he added.

Typically, everything is hunky dory when the jaw is pushed back in place after precautions. "However, one must definitely do some exercises that can help make the jaw bone stronger," said Dr. Kumar.

If a person has the tendency of dislocating their jaw often, then the doctor has an advice for such people. He says they should avoid opening their mouth too wide while yawning or eating. Also, they must support their chin with hand while yawning.

Also read: Oat milk can raise blood sugar levels, says French biochemist; suggests hacks for oat milk lovers

Besides, for someone who experienced this kind of jaw dislocation, the doctor says they must include food items in their diet that do not put pressure on the jaw while chewing. "Eating foods like rice, khichdi, and curd is a good idea," he concludes.

FAQs on locked jaw condition:

1. What is a locked jaw?

A locked jaw, or trismus, is a condition where the jaw muscles spasm or tighten, making it difficult or impossible to open the mouth fully. It may be temporary or chronic and can range from mild to severe.

2. What causes a locked jaw?

Common causes include:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Dental infections (like an abscessed tooth)
Trauma to the jaw or face
Tetanus (a rare bacterial infection)
Complications from wisdom tooth extraction
Radiation therapy to the head/neck area (in cancer patients)

3. Is a locked jaw dangerous?

It can be, especially if it affects eating, speaking, or breathing. Infections like tetanus or untreated dental abscesses may lead to serious complications. Immediate medical or dental evaluation is recommended.

4. How is a locked jaw treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
Warm compresses and jaw exercises
Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications
Dental procedures for abscesses or misalignment
Physical therapy
Surgery in severe or chronic cases

5. Can a locked jaw be prevented?

In some cases, yes. Prevention tips include:
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Getting prompt treatment for dental infections or trauma
Managing stress and avoiding jaw clenching or teeth grinding
Following post-op instructions after oral surgeries

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.