Hey Sascha, that sounds really painful! Lock-jaw can happen for a few reasons, sometimes it’s due to muscle tension, teeth grinding, or even an issue with your jaw joint (TMJ). While mild cases can sometimes improve with gentle jaw stretches or warm compresses, it’s safest not to wait, especially if you can’t open your mouth properly.
I’ve had a friend who experienced this after clenching their teeth during stress, and getting professional help made all the difference. If you’re in Burwood, you could check out Burwood Diamond Dental, they’re experienced with jaw and dental issues and can assess whether it’s a TMJ problem or something that needs urgent attention. In the meantime, stick to very soft foods and avoid chewing until you’re checked.
Seriously, don’t try to force your jaw open yourself—it can make things worse. Hope you get relief quickly!