Jaw pain/Temporomandibular joint dysfunction/TMD If you wake up with aching jaw muscles, struggle to chew comfortably, notice clicking when you open your mouth, or experience headaches that never quite resolve, your jaw may be trying to tell you something important. ... Jaw pain in the morning? Waking up with jaw pain or stiffness is surprisingly common, and there’s usually a simple explanation: you’re clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep. Known as “sleep bruxism,” this can place intense pressure on the...