When you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, rWhen you have a stiff or locked jaw, that isn’t a problem you should ignore. It’s likely to harm your body if left unchecked, reducing your quality of life in the process. The good news is that there are various ways to address this particular jaw issue. By using them, you’ll be on the path to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably again! Just keep reading to learn what a stiff or locked jaw means, useful home remedies, and when to get proper dental care.
What Causes a Stiff or Locked Jaw?
Often enough, a stiff or locked jaw doesn’t happen randomly. It’s usually caused by TMD – a temporomandibular joint disorder.
TMD is (in)famous for how it affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. The condition can cause pain and locking in one or both hinge joints – the TMJs. Other symptoms include tenderness near the ear and face, painful popping in the jaw joints, and difficulty chewing.
Should you suffer from several of the signs above, you likely have TMD. That means your stiff or locked jaw won’t just go away on its own.
How Can I Manage It at Home?
If your jaw’s stiffness isn’t too severe, you can manage it at home by performing some exercises. These include the following:
- Manual Jaw-Opening – After placing your fingers on the top of your front four bottom teeth, slowly pull down until you feel a slight ache on your jaw’s tight side. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat up to twelve times.
- Jaw Joint Stretches – Once you’ve pressed your tongue’s tip onto your mouth’s roof, apply gentle pressure and slowly open your mouth. Stop at the point when you feel discomfort.
- Smile Stretches – While smiling as widely as you can, slowly open your jaw an additional two inches. Inhale through your mouth, exhale while ending your smile, and repeat.
With these three exercises, you should find relief for your tight jaw and increase its range of motion.
When Should I See a Dentist for Help?
If your jaw’s stiffness (and other TMD symptoms) get severe, you should quickly see a dentist. They can smoothly and easily treat the underlying cause(s).
One method is a TENS machine procedure, which reduces the jaw’s pain and inflammation with electrode patches. Another is an occlusal splint – a small appliance worn to bed to prevent teeth grinding. There’s also equilibration, a straightforward process that can be used to slightly adjust your teeth so your bite and jaw line up.
A stiff or locked jaw isn’t harmless, but it’s also not unsolvable. Talk to your local dental provider for other ideas on treating it!
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry is based in Aspen Hill, MD. Led by Drs. Saba, Allafi, and Solanki, our practice aims to ease your aching jaw and help you rest by providing treatments for TMJ and sleep apnea. These procedures include services like TENS, occlusal splints, and more. Through them, we can put an end to your facial pain and sleepless nights, so come see us for care soon! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (301)-460-3331.