November is TMJ Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to pay attention to symptoms that may be coming from your jaw joint. Many people experience jaw pain, headaches, or teeth grinding without realizing these issues may be signs of TMJ disorder. Because the symptoms can vary widely, TMJ problems often go unnoticed or untreated, leading to long-term complications. Understanding what is TMJ disorder and when to seek help can make a major difference in your comfort and overall health.

Waking up with jaw pain can be frustrating, confusing, and uncomfortable — especially if it seems to happen regularly. Morning jaw soreness is surprisingly common, and while it may feel like it comes out of nowhere, there are several possible causes behind it, including TMJ disorder. Understanding what’s happening can help you take the right steps toward relief. Here are some of the most common reasons your jaw might hurt when you wake up.