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What Causes Stiff Jaw And Jaw Pain While Eating After Tobacco Quitting?
Question: I quit chewing tobacco 3 mos ago after doing it for 8 years.
So far:
1.) severe migraine for 1.5 weeks (went to the doctor)
2.) followed by a sinus infection in the front of the face (went to a different doctor-Amoxiclian)
3.) sinus infection felt like it was getting better and then started getting worse (went back to same doctor-another 7 days of Amoxicilian)
4.) sinus infection just started clearing up, however now the corner of my jaw has pain-most severely today when I was eating lunch, I had to hold off for a few minutes before being able to finish
Up until this point there were times where my jaw felt a little stiff, both doctors checked my limo nodes and vitals and both did not seem concerned, however these were regular doctors and not specialists. Should I see a specialist to further check into this (if so what kind of doctor?) Or is this common for long term chewing tobacco users?
Brief Answer:
Possibility of oral submucous fibrosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
Stiffness in the jaw in an individual with chronic intake of tobacco following
1. Oral submucous fibrosis : chronic use of tobacco leads to fibrosis of tissue just below the oral mucosa. This leads to restricted mobility even in opening the mouth. Which could be felt as stiffness in jaw
2. Tempero-mandibular joint ankylosis
I would suggest you to consult either a ENT or Oro-facio Maxillary Surgeon for further assessment.
In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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