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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Locked Jaw, Painful To Eat. Treatment?

Hi, I suffer from TMJ, my doctor previously told me that it was fine and to keep an eye on it as my jaw was just popping out and in. But for the last week it has felt as if my jaw is locked as I can only just open it wide enough to eat a sandwich! Eating is becoming very painful and it doesnt seem to be letting up. Is there anything I can do to get it to go back to how it was?
Thu, 1 Aug 2013
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Dentist, Orthodontics 's  Response
This is a usual problem when u have a TMJ problem. Don't worry. Take a muscle relaxant biz. Meftal Forte or similar (combination of a painkiller and muscle relaxant). Take a towel dipped in warm water and apply on your TMJ both sides as many times as possible in a day. Do warm saline gargles 3-4 times a day. After your pain is slightly relieved, try opening your mouth slowly with the help of your fingers. Try placing two finger first, then three nd so on. Do not open excessively when the muscles are released, otherwise your TMJ will get displaced nd lock jaw problem will come again.and try having a soft diet for at least a week, till your problem is solved. Take care. Don't worry. You'll get we'll soon.
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Dentist Dr. Khushboo Bhatia's  Response
Hello,There are many reasons for the lock jaw. It can be because of some trauma or infection of the TMJ or it can be because of erupting wisdom tooth which is impacted and gets infected. For this you have to visit dentist . The dentist after doing the clinical examination and taking detailed history will make the diagnosis and accordingly do the treatment.
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Dentist Dr. Qazi Ammara's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for asking the query,

Locked jaw can occur due to Temporomandibular joint disorder.
I would advise you to take a soft diet.
Do not take any stress, keep yourself relaxed.
Do not open your mouth too wide as it can result in lock jaw.

At home do mouth excercises like slowly open and close the mouth, by keeping one finger in the mouth first, followed by two, three and so on.
Apply moist heat towels on the TMJ on both the sides.
Take a muscle relaxant.
If the symptoms persists or worsen visit to the concern Dentist and get the checkup done.

Hope this helps out.

Regards..
I find this answer helpful
Dentist Dr. Qazi Ammara's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for asking the query,

Locked jaw can occur due to Temporomandibular joint disorder.
I would advise you to take a soft diet.
Do not take any stress, keep yourself relaxed.
Do not open your mouth too wide as it can result in lock jaw.

At home do mouth excercises like slowly open and close the mouth, by keeping one finger in the mouth first, followed by two, three and so on.
Apply moist heat towels on the TMJ on both the sides.
Take a muscle relaxant.
If the symptoms persists or worsen visit to the concern Dentist and get the checkup done.

Hope this helps out.

Regards..
I find this answer helpful
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. Saurabh Gupta's  Response
Hello and Welcome to HCM,
Thanks for writing to us.
Occasional pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and may not be a cause for concern. See a doctor if your pain is severe or if it does not go away. Treatment for TMJ syndrome ideally should begin when it is in early stages.
Anti-inflammatory pain medications such as ibuprofen(Motrin) may ease the pain of TMJ syndrome.
Eat a diet of soft foods.
Apply warm compresses on the area of pain. Home therapy includes mandible (lower jaw) movements, such as opening and closing the jaw from side to side. Try this after a warm compress is applied for 20 minutes.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. Saurabh Gupta's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
If your problems last for more than a few days, or they are severe to begin with, call your dentist for an evaluation. Initial treatment depends on the cause of your particular symptoms. Rest your jaw for several days or a week: eat very very soft food such as yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs, liquid supplements, applesauce, soft rice, pudding, and similar textures. Eat foods of a consistancy you can mash with your tongue. Avoid chewing gum, meats, ice, raw carrots, apples, salads, hamburgers.
Avoid caffeine and tobacco, Use crushed ice in a plastic sack or in a towel or try a sports-injury ice pack. Do this several times a day for 10-15 minutes each time. Some individuals benefit from heat packs, especially if they are recovering from a locked jaw.
Take anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Ibuprofen.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
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Locked Jaw, Painful To Eat. Treatment?

This is a usual problem when u have a TMJ problem. Don t worry. Take a muscle relaxant biz. Meftal Forte or similar (combination of a painkiller and muscle relaxant). Take a towel dipped in warm water and apply on your TMJ both sides as many times as possible in a day. Do warm saline gargles 3-4 times a day. After your pain is slightly relieved, try opening your mouth slowly with the help of your fingers. Try placing two finger first, then three nd so on. Do not open excessively when the muscles are released, otherwise your TMJ will get displaced nd lock jaw problem will come again.and try having a soft diet for at least a week, till your problem is solved. Take care. Don t worry. You ll get we ll soon.