Many people experience jaw locking at some point in their lifetime. A locking jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, can cause pain and stiffness in the jaw as well as difficulty with chewing, speaking, and opening the mouth widely. Fortunately, preventing a locking jaw is possible by taking good care of your jaw and, if needed, seeking professional treatment. This article will discuss tips for preventing, managing, and treating locking jaw.
What is a Locking Jaw?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connection between your jaw and the skull. This joint allows your jaw to open and close smoothly, as well as move from side-to-side. When there is a dysfunction, such as an injury or arthritic condition in the TMJ area, a locking jaw can result. This means that the jaw will become stiff, making it difficult to open or close the mouth and move the jaw freely.
It is important to note that a locking jaw can be either chronic or acute. Chronic locking jaw refers to a condition that persists over time, while acute locking jaw indicates a sudden occurrence of the problem. Mild symptoms of a locking jaw include mild pain or discomfort when moving the jaw, while more severe symptoms can include difficulty chewing, speaking, and extending the jaw widely.
How Can a Locking Jaw be Prevented?
Preventing a locking jaw largely involves taking good care of the jaw’s muscles and the TMJ. By making changes to your lifestyle and incorporating jaw exercises, you can reduce your risk of developing a locking jaw. Here are some tips for preventing a locking jaw:
- Avoid grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw. This is especially important at night when teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common.
- Do occasional warm-up movements and stretches with your jaw and neck muscles if you find that you tense these areas frequently.
- Maintain good posture when sitting for long periods, as a slumped posture can lead to tension and pain in the neck and jaw.
- Be mindful of your body position when working on a computer or doing other activities. Keep the height of your chair and keyboard-level correct to ensure that your neck and jaw muscles are relaxed and not holding any tension.
Managing and Treating a Locking Jaw
If you do experience a locking jaw, there are a number of ways to manage and treat the symptoms. This can range from simple self-care techniques to professional treatments and surgeries. Here are some things you can consider to help prevent or treat a locking jaw:
Self-care
It is a good idea to take steps to manage the symptoms of a locking jaw if you suffer from it. These steps can include techniques for relaxation, such as massage or gentle stretching exercises. It could also be helpful to apply ice or heat to the jaw to help reduce pain and stiffness. Additionally, some people find relief by avoiding certain activities that may exacerbate the symptoms of TMJ. Exercise and a healthy diet can also be helpful in improving the overall health of the jaw muscles.
Professional treatment options
If you are experiencing a locking jaw, it is important to seek professional help from a dentist or doctor. These professionals can recommend drug-free treatments, such as mouth guards, to help stop grinding of the teeth and reduce strain on the jaw muscles. Other treatments may include physical therapy or stress management techniques, like counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, muscle relaxant medications may be prescribed to help reduce the pain and stiffness the TMJ can cause.
In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat locking jaw. This can involve a splint, or even replacing the joint with an artificial one.
Conclusion
Locking jaw can be a painful and frustrating condition. However, the good news is that, for many people, it can be prevented with the right techniques. By following these simple tips — such as avoiding grinding and clenching the teeth, doing occasional jaw and neck stretches, and maintaining proper posture — you can help reduce your risk of developing a locking jaw. If you do experience the symptoms of TMJ, it is important to consult with a professional who can recommend treatments that can help you manage and reduce the symptoms. By taking care of your jaw both in daily life and professionally, you can help prevent a locking jaw and live comfortably.
