A 38-year-old member asked:
How to tell if i am developing lockjaw?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Armen Hartooniananswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
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).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 47 years experience
TMJ: You are probably referring to a jaw joint (TMJ) problem and not true lockjaw related to a tetanus infection (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetanus).
The TMJ problem you are describing starts with clicking of the jaw joint, often joint pain and limited oral opening. Bruxism makes it worse. If you have suck a profile, see a TMJ expert.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 38 years experience
"Stuck" or "Lock": The major sign is jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open. TMJ dysfunction is a group of conditions that can cause joint lock and visit to your dentist is warranted.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mary David commented
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A locked jaw is different from the disease lock jaw (also known as tetanus) which is infectious and much more serious.
Apr 10, 2015
Dr. Paul Grin commented
Pain Management 38 years experience
Provided original answer
Agree 100% that tetanus, commonly called lockjaw. Thank you Dr. Mary David for your valuable information.
Apr 10, 2015
Last updated Mar 13, 2016
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