Is Your Jaw Moving Normally? How to Check at Home (and When to Get Help)
- Simon Coghlan MSc, BSc Physio, DipMedAc
- May 26
- 2 min read
Have you ever wondered if your jaw is moving the way it should? Jaw issues — especially those linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction — can quietly build over time, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, or even a “locked jaw.”
At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan here in Buderim, we recommend simple at-home checks to help you understand your jaw’s normal range of motion — and know when it’s time to seek expert help.

Normal Jaw Movements You Should Know
✅ Jaw Opening (Vertical Movement): A healthy jaw typically opens between 45 to 50 millimetres — measured from the edges of your upper front teeth to the lower front teeth.
👉 Tip: You can estimate this by seeing if you can comfortably fit three of your own fingers, stacked vertically, between your top and bottom front teeth.
✅ Side-to-Side (Lateral) Movement: Your jaw should move smoothly 8 to 12 millimetres to the left and right.
✅ Forward (Protrusion) Movement: Your jaw should slide forward 8 to 12 millimetres without discomfort.
⚠️ Warning Signs to Watch For
If you can only open about 25 millimetres or less, that’s often a sign of a condition we call a “locked jaw.” This isn’t something to ignore — it can be painful and may require professional treatment.
Another crucial point: please don’t try to force your jaw open or overdo “jaw exercises” for fun or as a stretch. The TMJ is a delicate structure, and pushing it too far can lead to irritation or worsen symptoms. Gentle, controlled movements are key.
💡 Why Early Detection Matters
Understanding these normal ranges helps you catch early signs of TMJ dysfunction, often referred to as TMD, long before it turns into chronic pain or severe restriction.
By being proactive, you can:
✔ Reduce pain and discomfort
✔ Prevent further joint damage
✔ Improve your quality of life and daily function
At our clinic, we offer an evidence-based based integrated, hands-on approach — combining manual therapy, dry needling, medical acupuncture, and specific gentle therapeutic exercises — designed to address jaw dysfunction holistically and effectively.
🏠 Jaw Health on the Sunshine Coast
We bring decades of combined experience to help families, parents, and older adults regain comfort and confidence in their jaw function. Whether you’re struggling with clicking, pain, or limited movement, we’re here to help.
👉 Take Action Today
If you’ve noticed reduced jaw movement, discomfort, or stiffness, please don’t wait. Book an appointment with us for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.
📍 Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon CoghlanSuite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, QLD 4556📞 07 3532 8605🌐 www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au💻 Book Online Here
By Simon
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