Category: Temporomandibular disorders

While the true disease known as “lockjaw” is caused by tetanus bacteria, conditions mimicking a locked jaw, such as jaw clenching and muscle spasms, have been associated with nutrient deficiencies. Understanding which vitamin deficiency causes lockjaw-like symptoms is key to managing jaw health.

An estimated 75% of the U.S. population consumes less than the recommended daily allowance of magnesium, a crucial mineral for overall health. A deficiency in this nutrient has been increasingly linked to various physical ailments, including muscle spasms and tension. Understanding the connection, therefore, raises the important question: Does low magnesium cause jaw pain? The relationship is complex, but significant evidence links low magnesium levels to jaw muscle overactivity and conditions like bruxism and TMJ.