Because the jaw cannot regularly open while it is locked, the mouth cannot operate normally. A locked jaw can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Eating, drinking, speaking, and even keeping excellent dental health are all significantly impacted. This medical ailment, also known as trismus, can affect the jaw on either one or both sides. Read on to learn more about the typical reasons and remedies for a locked jaw.

Lockjaw: What Causes It?

A muscle cannot relax because it is in its active posture, which causes lockjaw (spasm). Numerous factors, such as the one discussed below, might produce the muscular spasm associated with lockjaw:

1. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

The jaw joint, as well as surrounding muscles, hurt as a result of TMJ disorder. One or both temporomandibular joints may experience discomfort or locking as a result. These joints are situated between the temporal bone and the lower jaw. TMD can also result in soreness and aching or throbbing discomfort in or around the ear, face, and jaw.

2. Stress

Stress and anxiety-related feelings might occasionally lead you to unconsciously grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you’re asleep or even awake. These behaviors may result in jaw stiffness and discomfort.

3. Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Bruxism, or the grinding of the teeth, can happen as you sleep. It can also happen while you are awake without you realizing it. The neck, face, and lower or upper jaw may feel tight or achy as a result. Earaches or headaches may also result from it.

4. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. All across the body, it has an impact on the joints and muscles. Up to 80% of persons with RA have TMJ disorder, which is a source of jaw stiffness, according to a study from 2015.

5. Tetanus

Tetanus is a bacterial illness that can be lethal. Symptoms include abdominal stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and painful muscular spasms in the jaw and neck.

6. Facial injuries

Trauma to the face may occasionally damage the section of the jaw that moves. This might cause discomfort or tightness. Blunt force, such as being struck, and even some cancer treatments, such as radiation or surgery, are examples of potential causes of jaw damage.

7. Osteoarthritis

Although uncommon, osteoarthritis (OA) can develop in the temporomandibular joints. The jaw bone, tissue, and cartilage may degenerate and cease to function as a result. This may cause a painful, tight jaw. Additionally, it may send discomfort in all directions.

8. Infections

The mobility of your jaw may be hampered if you have inflammation around your mouth. While rare, infections may permanently harm nerves or muscles, which may result in recurrent episodes of lockjaw.

Locked Jaws Medical Treatments

The following treatment may offer relief from locked jaws:

Cold or hot compresses:  Applying a cold or hot compress to a locked jaw could help to relieve pain

Medications: Ibuprofen and other painkillers can help ease jaw discomfort. Depending on the circumstance, doctors may also recommend certain muscle relaxants or antidepressants.

Injections: Botox or corticosteroid injections into the jaw joint or muscles may help relieve discomfort brought on by a tight jaw.

Acupuncture: This entails putting small needles into selected pressure sites on the body in an effort to reduce pain.

Surgery: For persons with locked jaws, surgery could be an option in some circumstances.Shortwave diathermy laser treatment: This therapy generates heat in the body by using a high-frequency electric current. It can aid with pain relief and blood flow.

Let Dr. Sid Solomon Help You

Are you experiencing jaw discomfort or pain that does not go away on its own? It is time to call Time To Smile in Los Angeles at (310) 475-5598 to set up a consultation with Dr. Sid Solomon. With his rich experience, he will help you review your symptoms and determine the best treatment. Dr. Solomon also deals with other dental issues, including cosmetic dentistry and GNM dentistry.

Neuromuscular dentistry and gnathological neuromuscular dentistry employ computer mandibular scanning (CMS), surface electromyography (SEMG), and sonography using a K7 device to estimate the patient’s optimal bite.