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How To Fix Lock Jaw Immediately?

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Jaw Lock, known as Trismus, may stop your jaws from properly opening and closing. This situation can be harrowing for individuals, causing discomfort and hindering everyday activities like eating, talking, and even smiling. If so, This blog can help you choose the right solutions for jaw locks. Your jaw can be tightened because of surgery, dental problems, oral cancer, and many other reasons. Many prominent healthcare experts believe that tetanus toxin alone is to be blamed, but it is not the same for everyone. Therefore, the usefulness of massage for jaw locks is tough to ignore. In this blog, we will try to answer your question How to fix lock jaw immediately? Let's look closely at it.

What Is A Lock Jaw?

what is lockjaw

Generally, the lockjaw is a jaw muscle disorder that prevents the mouth from opening properly. This locking sensation affects the whole jaw, causing painful symptoms on both face. The common signs are jaw cramps and difficulty in biting, swallowing, chewing, and even talking.

Why Is My Jaw Locking?

The lock jaw causes are:

  • Oral inflammation may cause jaw locking. For instance, pericoronitis is marked by soft tissue inflammation around the tooth.
  • Excessive chewing of gums or substances can also lead to a tight sensation in the lower jaw.
  • Dental surgery like tooth extraction can also be one of the lock jaw causes. The reason can be mouth inflammation or jaw hyperextension after the treatment. Hyperextension generally refers to the wide opening of the jaw beyond its usual degree of movement.
  • Infections around the mouth can affect the movement of your jaw by damaging nerves and muscles. This leads to a repeated stretch of the lockjaw.
  • Side effects of medications like antipsychotic and anti-nausea medicines can also cause a lockjaw.

Also Read: Does Chewing Gum Actually Help Your Jawline?

What are the symptoms of Jaw Lock?

Jaw Lock can be very alarming as the pain intensity keeps changing. A tight jaw results in pain or discomfort in several body parts. You can be the victim of achy, throbbing, severe, or tender pain.

Symptoms of Jaw Lock cab include:

  • The mouth's motion gets limited when you try to open it
  • Locked jaw joint
  • Clicking sounds

What are the best medical treatments for Jaw Lock?

Medical therapies have their worth in acting upon jaw lock. Do not hesitate to visit your nearest Dentist any time.

1. Medicines

Try some relevant pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to lessen joint discomfort. Many times, healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressants or muscle relaxers. The TMJ medicines keep on changing depending upon the jaw lock case.

2. Injections

For treating Lockjaw, doctors might use injections. These injections can contain medicines that help relax the tight muscles in the jaw, making it easier to move. The injection may also have pain-relieving medicine to make the discomfort feel better. It's like giving the jaw muscles a little break so they can loosen up. Always talk to a doctor to determine the best treatment, including whether injections are the right choice for your Lockjaw.

3. Hot and Cold Compress

Ice helps in reducing swelling and pain in the joints. Simultaneously, heat may increase blood flow, resulting in relaxed jaw muscles. Doctors claim that using a hot or cold compress on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes can be beneficial.

4. Surgery

After diagnosing a locked knee, your orthopedist may prefer surgical treatment. Surgery is the last treatment option if other therapies don't improve the patient's issue of Lockjaw.

The surgeon may cut or release the tight jaw muscles during the surgery, allowing for better movement. If the jaw joint contributes to the Lockjaw, the surgeon might adjust it to improve its function. If growths or obstructions are causing the Lockjaw, surgery may involve removing or addressing these issues.

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is like a gentle treatment for Lockjaw. They put tiny needles in particular spots on your body. It's an old way of helping your body relax and making the tightness in your jaw feel better. Acupuncture tries to help your body's natural healing and make your jaw move better. Some people feel good after acupuncture, but you should talk to your doctor first to see if it's good.

Also Read: Acupuncture Needles and How they Feel During Treatment

6. Laser Therapy

During the laser treatment from Lockjaw, the doctor uses focused light to help ease jaw tension. The unique light is directed at the tight muscles to reduce discomfort and improve jaw movement. It's like a gentle boost for your jaw muscles. Laser therapy is painless and often quick, but only your doctor can decide if it's right for you.

How To Fix Lock Jaw Immediately With Exercises?

Many medical experts suggest some targeted exercises that help relieve lockjaw. You can also practice a few stretches to get instant relief. Here are some potential exercises to follow:

1. Jaw-Joint Stretch

This type of activity involves stretching of neck and jaw muscles. Open your mouth as widely as possible for 5 breaths, then relax your jaw. Repeat the same process for up to 10 times. Through this spontaneous opening and closing, your mouth can regain flexibility.

2. Manual Jaw-Opening

As a warm-up, practice mouth-opening and closing movements several times, after that, put your ring, middle, and index finger on the top of the lowermost teeth. Then, pull your jaw down till you don't feel stretch and minor pain. Hold this for 30 seconds before releasing. Just perform the same process three times.

3. Smile Stretch

Smile stretch is the best way to prevent instant stress in the facial muscles, upper and lower jaws, and neck. Try to have a broad smile as much as possible without experiencing any tightness or pain. Inhale and then exhale by letting your smile go. Practice this technique around 10 times each day.

Also Read: Top 5 Treatments for Facial Paralysis

Can Massage cure jaw lock?

Massaging the jaw can be one of the effective ways to increase blood flow. In addition, open the mouth and rub muscles next to your ears thoroughly in a circular motion. Therefore, massaging has to be done several times every other day.

What are the best ways to prevent jaw lock?

Individuals must look into preventive measures before doing stress-relieving techniques. It should be kept in mind that reduction of stress and anxiety can be an added advantage. Check out some of the best ways to prevent jaw lock

1. Observe your Movements

When you notice your jaw locking and popping, it is recommended to avoid any drastic movements. Further to this, restrict yourself from opening and shutting your mouth.

2. Consult a Professional

This can take time to figure out the proper relaxation technique to suit your situation. So, it is better to consult a professional to receive the best solutions regarding the jaw.

3. Focus on Healthy Meal

Avoiding chewy or crunchy foods while experiencing a locked jaw can be wise. Afterward, go for smoothies, cooked vegetables, and yogurt in that phase.

4. Maintain a Good Posture

You can see significant changes in your body by maintaining a good posture. Make sure to incorporate a few exercises for relieving jaw pain.

Final Words

Unexplained pain and irritation can be the outcome of jaw lock. Stick to some home solutions to eliminate painful encounters. Follow behavior modifications, soft foods, exercises and nutrition to balance your life. Your healthcare professional may provide mouthguards or splints for additional support. Know that your doctor is your best friend and guide towards jaw lock cure. I hope you understand & get your answer in this blog post on "how to fix lock jaw immediately?"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to cure jaw lock?

Massaging the jaw lock and losing it is the fastest way to cure jaw lock.

How long does jaw lock last?

Jaw lock may continue for two weeks.

Can you sleep with a jawlock?

Ideally, support your back and neck while sleeping with a jaw lock.

How painful is jaw lock?

Jaw lock is painful. Its pain may range from mild to severe.

Can you smile with a jaw lock?

Slowly open your jaw while smiling with jaw lock.