What could be causing morning jaw stiffness and clicking?

[JonathanH]

For the last few mornings, I’ve woken up with a really stiff and sore jaw, and I can hear a faint clicking sound when I open my mouth wide to yawn. It doesn’t exactly hurt during the day, but there’s a constant, dull pressure around my temples. I’m wondering if this is just from clenching my teeth at night or if it’s something I should actually get checked out.

[Justin.T]

I had a similar thing last year. woke up with a stiff jaw and a dull pressure around the temples, and a small click when I yawned. I figured I was clenching at night. I tried a simple routine of a warm compress after waking, cut back on chewy foods, and wore a mouth guard for a couple of weeks when I could get one. It helped a little, but the problem kept coming back if I stressed or forgot the guard.

[Camila_M]

It might be bruxism or a TMJ flare up. Those can show up exactly like this, especially with morning stiffness and a click.

[GeorgeJ]

Do you think this is the real problem or could there be something else like ear infection or sinus pressure?