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A member asked:
Does lockjaw freeze your mouth, so you can't talk?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Lockjaw: Lockjaw is a bacterial infection associated with the tetanus bacterium. Symptoms similar to lockjaw are seen with chronic teeth grinding. If you have generalized muscle pain, with tightening in the jaw muscles, this is a medical emergency. Seek medical care now!
Answered 2/1/2012
6.1k views
Not really: True lockjaw is caused by a bacterium and is called tetanus. If you are referring to just an isolated inability to open your mouth, that is technically not lockjaw, but is called an acute closed lock of the jaw and this is a mechanical obstruction to opening your jaw. This is not a bacterial infection.
Answered 10/4/2016
5.4k views
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