What is Lockjaw?

Do you experience tightness in your jaw? Do you feel your jaw clicking or locking when you open your mouth, chew, yawn, or speak? If it’s happening frequently, don’t ignore it. It may lead to lockjaw, and this may have serious repercussions to your oral health.

Your dentist will recommend a root canal as an option only when necessary. Some patients prefer to remove the affected tooth, thinking it’s the best solution. However, this is often more expensive and may cause issues for surrounding teeth. But there are times when the only option is extraction.

What is Lock Jaw?

Lockjaw, also referred to as tetanus, affects the nerves and muscles. A person may contract it through wounds that come in contact with the tetanus bacteria.

What are the possible causes of lockjaw?

Lockjaw can occur due to various causes, and they can include the following:

TMJ Problems
The TMJ is a system of muscles and tissues located on either side of the face. These joints are comparable to a hinge that allows us to open and close our mouths. A malfunctioning TMJ can lead to jaw clicking and locking, pain in the ears and jaw, and chewing difficulties. Among the causes of TMJ problems are injuries and inflammatory disorders.
Stress
Anxiety and stress may make a person more likely to clench or grind their jaw during sleep. This can lead to tightness and pain in the jaw area. The discomfort can continue during waking hours while speaking or eating.
Inflamed soft tissues
Inflamed soft tissues may also result in lockjaw. This can be due to excessive chewing or usage of the mouth. Disorders in the mouth may also make it harder to open and close and lead to swelling and lockjaw.

Symptoms of Lockjaw

Here are signs you may have lockjaw:

Jaw feeling stiff or tight
Muscle spasms
Pain and stiffness in muscles throughout the body
Difficulty Swallowing
Headaches
Changes in heart rate

Tetanus may have serious health complications, so let your dentist and doctors know if you’re experiencing any or all of the symptoms listed above.

Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and lockjaw at the dental office

TMJ problems may be corrected by making lifestyle changes. Certain habits, such as using the teeth as a tool or chewing on hard objects, may be harmful to the TMJ.

Minimizing stress, practicing jaw exercises, and switching to a soft food diet may also help ease TMD and, ultimately, prevent lockjaw.

But if your case requires further treatment, your dentist can help. There are various treatment options you and your dentist can look into, including using custom oral appliances to reduce pressure on your TMJ and allow it to heal. These appliances can shift the position of your jaw and allow the system to relax.

In some cases, orthodontic treatments may be required to fix a misaligned jaw or poor bite. Surgical procedures may also be needed.

Here at Princess Dental in Brandon, Manitoba, we take a look at conservative treatment options first to address your dental concerns. Surgeries or invasive procedures are usually our last option if other treatments aren’t enough or applicable.

See your dentist in Brandon, Manitoba, to get your jaw checked

If you’re worried you may have lockjaw or TMD, see your dentist in Brandon, Manitoba, for a consultation and examination.

While home remedies may help ease the discomfort or pain in your mouth and surrounding areas, identifying the root cause of the problem is the best option. This way, we address any possible underlying health issues and keep lockjaw from coming back.