Question 1

what exactly is lock jaw? how can i get help for it?

Accepted Answer

Several causes: Lock jaw or the inability to open or close  the lower jaw can be related to a number of causes.  An infection, spasm of the muscles that control the opening and closing of the lower jaw, a broken jaw that did not heal correctly, and problems associated with the meniscus or disc in the TMJ are some possible causes.

Question 2

hi doctors, can you tell me what is lock jaw and what are symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus: True "lock jaw" is trismus,  a pathological condition in which the mouth is held shut by sustained spasm of the masseter (jaw) muscle, often observed in cases of tetanus
you may also be referring to "closed lock" a TMJ condition where the TMJ disc is locked out of position.

Question 3

left side jaw locking up?

Accepted Answer

TMJ: Usually signifies TMJ disk out of position. Can be a serious problem. Best option: see a TMJ-orofacial pain specialist. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.

Question 4

why is my jaw locking daily?

Accepted Answer

TMJ problem: This is due to dysfunction of the temporal mandibular joint just below the ear. The cartilage catches on the other side of the joint and clicks as the joint moves. Sometimes the cartilage catches the other side and the jaw locks. If this starts to happen, do not try to close the morth - but keep it open, rock the joint from side to side and yawn and usually the jaw will snap into place.

Question 5

why is my jaw locking constantly?

Accepted Answer

Jaw locking up: If your jaw is locking closed, it generally means that the disc in the jaw joint may be displaced. If your jaw is locking open, that means that the jaw is itself becoming dislocated, which is much less common. For a closed lock that fails to respond to simple measures, it has been shown through many studies that the most effective treatment is TMJ arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, to unlock the jaw.

Question 6

why is my jaw locking when i wake up?

Accepted Answer

Possible parafunctio: One reason might be that you are grinding your teeth (or clenching) at night.  You need to see a dentist to find out the exact reason for you.

Question 7

what can i do about my jaw locking up.?

Accepted Answer

Keep open and slide: This is due to dysfunction of the temporal mandibular joint just below the ear. The cartilage catches on the other side of the joint and clicks as the joint moves. Sometimes the cartilage catches the other side and the jaw locks. If this starts to happen, do not try to close the morth - but keep it open, rock the joint from side to side and yawn and usually the jaw will snap into place.

Question 8

why is my jaw locking when i first wake up?

Accepted Answer

Jaw locking in a.m.: If your jaw is locking closed, it generally means that the disc in the jaw joint may be displaced. If your jaw is locking open, that means that the jaw is itself becoming dislocated, which is much less common. For a closed lock that fails to respond to simple measures, it has been shown through many studies that the most effective treatment is TMJ arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, to unlock the jaw.

Question 9

how do i improve my jaw locking from grinding?

Accepted Answer

Jaw locking/grinding: Not sure your question is entirely clear, but if your jaw is locking closed, that generally means that the disc in the jaw joint is displaced. If it remains displaced for a long time, that can lead to TMJ arthritis, which causes a grinding noise. You might benefit from splint therapy, but it also sounds like you might be a good candidate for TMJ arthroscopy in an attempt to eliminate the locking.

Question 10

what can i do about my jaw locking up besides ice?

Accepted Answer

Jaw locking up: If your jaw is locking closed, it generally means that the disc in the jaw joint may be displaced. If your jaw is locking open, that means that the jaw is itself becoming dislocated, which is much less common. For a closed lock that fails to respond to simple measures, it has been shown through many studies that the most effective treatment is TMJ arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, to unlock the jaw.

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Doctor answers about:

What is jaw locking

A member asked:

What exactly is lock jaw? how can i get help for it?

A member asked:

Hi doctors, can you tell me what is lock jaw and what are symptoms?

A member asked:

Left side jaw locking up?

A member asked:

Why is my jaw locking daily?

A member asked:

Why is my jaw locking constantly?

A member asked:

Why is my jaw locking when i wake up?

A member asked:

What can i do about my jaw locking up.?

A member asked:

Why is my jaw locking when i first wake up?

A member asked:

How do i improve my jaw locking from grinding?

A member asked:

What can i do about my jaw locking up besides ice?

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