Question 1

is lockjaw always fatal?

Accepted Answer

NO: Most patients with lockjaw die from complications not directly from the infection.

Question 2

how can you die from lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus: In the past, the painful hypercontraction of all muscles made breathing impossible.  The tetanus bacillus, unlike most bacteria, grows best in dead tissue and used its toxin to kill its victims.  Today, it is easy enough to paralyze the sufferer and put them on a ventilator until the disease passes.  You still do not want to get tetanus.

Question 3

what are the tests for lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Good Clinical Exam: A thorough evaluation including a history of the symptoms, clinical examination, and any additional diagnostic tests are needed.  Depending on the clinical findings, a panoramic radiograph allowing visualization of the temporomandibular joints would be the first diagnostic test ordered.  A MRI may also be indicated in some cases to help diagnose the problem.

Question 4

what are the symptoms of lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Not opening.: You may experience different symptoms, however, usually lockjaw leads to feeling a lot of discomfort and pain in either one or both joints as well as not being able to open / close. This is usually a chronic condition related to your joint anatomy.

Question 5

what are common causes of lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

TMJ disk abnormal: Anterior disk displacement without reduction possibly. Need to see oral maxillofacial surgeon or subspecialists in tmd / facial pain.

Question 6

how to tell if i am developing lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Clicking in TMJ : If you damage your jaw in an accident, increase grinding due to stress, bad habit of opening mouth in size too much that causes dislocation of disc in TMJ through time and then clicking sound,  rare causes neurological problem. There are many factors that needs to be check before diagnosing. So, if you think you are developing lockjaw, you should see a prosthodontist or gnathologist (tmj).

Question 7

how to treat lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

See below: A 'locking' jaw is usually caused by the disc in the jaw joint becoming malpositioned. This can be caused by clenching or bruxism (grinding the teeth at night). 
When the jaw 'locks', it can be in an open position or a closed position.
This is a temporomandibular joint disorder (tmj). 
This can be treated by a dentist (with oral appliances) who has the proper training and experience.

Question 8

stress can cause lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Indirectly: Continual stress can cause long term clenching and grinding habits, that can over time cause muscle spasms, along with inflammation and damage to your TMJ joints, which then can result in joint noises, pain, and the jaw locking in either the open or closed positions.  If you think that you suffer from this problem, consult a dentist trained and skilled in this area.

Question 9

how does one treat tmj lockjaw?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Treatment would depend on whether or not your jaw is locked open or closed. Also, treatment would depend on whether or not the locking is due to muscular issues or problems inside the joint itself.

Question 10

why is lockjaw common in babies?

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices: In the third world many are unimmunized for their lifetime and moms don't pass any transient resistance to tetanus germs on to their newborns. Unsanitary cutting tools & or the practice of putting cow dung on the cord stump to speed separation are practices that lead to neonatal tetanus.In industrialized societies, a mom that avoids the recomended  tetanus booster may leave baby vulnerable.

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Is lockjaw always fatal

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