Have you ever had the experience of feeling your jaw lock up? Jaw locking is a condition where the jaw becomes temporarily immobilized. It can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable and can happen while talking, eating, or opening the mouth,
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) controls the movement of your jaw, and jaw locking can occur when there is a problem with this joint. There are several causes of jaw locking up, and understanding the root cause can help you identify the best treatment for you.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes jaw locking up and the different ways to find relief from this condition.
What Causes Jaw Locking Up?
There are several reasons why your jaw may be locking up. Some common causes include:
Stress: stress can lead to teeth grinding clenching the jaw, eventually leading to jaw lock.
Bruxism: Bruxism is a dental condition in which you grind and gnash your teeth. This constant pressure can wear down your teeth and lead to jaw lockup.
TMJ Disorder: TMJ disorder is a condition in which the TMJ joint becomes inflamed and can cause jaw lock.
Trauma in the area: Jaw-related trauma, such as sports injuries or falling, can lead to jaw lock.
Arthritis: Arthritis can damage the tissue in the jaw joint, causing it to become misaligned and restricting movement.
Finding Relief From Jaw Locking Up
Finding relief from jaw locking up can be challenging, but thankfully, there are many non-invasive treatments that can help. Here are some ways to help relieve jaw locking symptoms and restore jaw movement:
Management of Stress
Stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching that leads to jaw lock.
Modify Your Diet
Many jaw locking symptoms can be relieved by modifying your diet. The jaw is working in a constant chewing motion for food, so it’s important to avoid foods that are too hard and tough to chew. Also, avoid foods that require you to open your mouth very wide, like apples and sandwiches.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve range of motion in the jaw and reduce jaw locking symptoms. The therapist will provide exercises to strengthen the jaw and improve joint mobility.
Oral Devices
Oral appliances such as mouth guards and splints can help reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching, and may help alleviate jaw locking symptoms.
Medical Treatment
If home treatment methods don’t help relieve jaw lock-up, or you are experiencing pain and discomfort, it’s important to seek medical care. A medical professional will recommend therapies, such as muscle relaxants, acupuncture, or even surgery if necessary to restore normal jaw movement.
Preventing Jaw Locking Up
There are many ways that you can help prevent jaw locking up from occurring again. Some preventive measures include practicing good dental hygiene, engaging in stress management techniques, such as journaling or meditation, and avoiding highly processed foods and gum chewing.
Conclusion
Jaw locking can be very uncomfortable and painful, but there are many ways to find relief from this condition. Identifying the underlying cause of jaw lock can help dictate the best treatment for you. Preventive measures, such as practicing stress management, good dental hygiene, and avoiding eating highly processed foods can help prevent jaw locking from recurring. If you are experiencing chronic jaw lock, it’s important to seek medical care to find the best treatment for your specific situation.
