Lockjaw
What Is Lockjaw?
Lockjaw, also known as trismus is a medical condition that affects the muscles responsible for opening and closing the mouth. The condition is characterized by limited jaw movement and pain, which can make it difficult for a person to fully open their mouth or chew food.
Lockjaw can be caused by a variety of factors, including dental procedures, head and neck cancer, trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and infections like tetanus. The severity of Lockjaw can vary from mild to severe, and it can affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and perform daily activities. If left untreated, Lockjaw can lead to complications such as malnutrition, dental problems, and speech difficulties. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms of Lockjaw and improve quality of life.
Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine Lockjaw, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Normal Jaw Function
- Why Do I Have Lockjaw?
- Signs And Symptoms Of Lockjaw
- Treatment Options For Lockjaw
- How To Prevent Lockjaw
- Managing Lockjaw Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about Lockjaw or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Normal Jaw Function
Your jaw is made up of a pair of bones. These bones form the framework of your mouth and teeth:
- Your maxilla is your upper jawbone.
- Your mandible is your lower jawbone.
- Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where your mandible connects to your skull.
Many muscles around the jaw work together for you to open and close your mouth. The muscles responsible for mouth opening and chewing include the masseter muscle and temporalis muscle laterally, and the lateral pterygoid muscle and medial pterygoid muscle medially.
Why Do I Have Lockjaw?
There are several potential causes of Lockjaw, including:
- Dental Procedures: Some dental procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction or root canal therapy, can cause Lockjaw as a result of swelling or inflammation in the jaw muscles.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Lockjaw can be a side effect of certain head and neck cancers, which can cause the muscles in the jaw to become stiff and rigid.
- Trauma to the Jaw or TMJ: Trauma to the jaw or TMJ, such as a blow to the face or a car accident, can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, or bones in the jaw, leading to Lockjaw.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as tetanus or mumps, can cause Lockjaw by affecting the muscles and nerves responsible for jaw movement.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck can cause scarring and damage to the muscles and tissues in the jaw, leading to Lockjaw.
It is important to consult with a dental or medical professional to determine the underlying cause of Lockjaw and develop an appropriate treatment plan. For more information about Lockjaw, please contact us.
Signs and Symptoms of Lockjaw
The most common signs of trismus include:
- Limited mouth-opening ability: Normally, your mouth can open between 40-60 millimeters (approximately the width of 3 fingers), but with trismus, it may be restricted to 20-35 millimeters.
- Deviation of the jaw toward the affected side: The jaw may deviate to one side due to muscle spasms and improper muscle function.
- Diffuse facial swelling and fever: Infections associated with trismus can cause facial swelling and fever.
The most common symptoms of trismus include:
- Tooth pain at rest: Experiencing discomfort even when not using the jaw muscles.
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide and achieving full-range motion: Struggling to open the mouth fully or move it freely.
- Inability to chew or bite on solid foods: Difficulty eating and biting due to restricted jaw movement.
- Discomfort when yawning: Yawning can be uncomfortable or limited due to the restricted jaw movement.
- Difficulty brushing teeth and following oral hygiene routine: Restricted jaw movement can make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene, leading to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities.
- Pain in one or more masticatory muscles: Experiencing pain in the muscles used for chewing.
- Sensation of muscle tightness, cramping, or stiffness: Feeling the muscles in the jaw area to be tight, cramped, or stiff.
Recognizing these signs and symptoms can help identify trismus and prompt appropriate dental care. If you experience any of these symptoms of Lockjaw, please contact us.
Treatment Options for Lockjaw
The treatment for Lockjaw depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some treatment options include:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for Lockjaw caused by jaw or TMJ trauma, head and neck cancer, or radiation therapy. A physical therapist can work with you to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles, improving jaw mobility and reducing pain and stiffness.
- Medications: Medications like muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers may be prescribed to manage symptoms of Lockjaw. Robax Platinum is a combination muscle relaxant and pain reliever medication containing 500mg methocarbanol and ibuprofen 200mg indicated for effective relief of muscle spasm pain. Take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. You are also welcome to use over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your dentist what dosage is right for you, but if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition of allergies, 1000mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) with 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours or as needed is a very powerful combination.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct underlying issues with the jaw or TMJ that are causing Lockjaw.
- Dental Treatment: If Lockjaw is caused by a dental issue, such as swelling or inflammation after a procedure, your dentist may recommend treatment such as antibiotics, mouth rinses, or dental appliances to improve jaw mobility.
- Self-Care: In some cases, simple self-care measures like hot or cold compresses, massage, or gentle jaw exercises can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. For information on some self-care exercises that you can perform at home, please visit our page on Myogenic Trismus Home Care Instructions.
It is important to work with a medical or dental professional to determine the best treatment options for your specific case of Lockjaw. For more information about Lockjaw treatment options, please contact us.
How to Prevent Lockjaw
While not all cases of Lockjaw can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk, including:
- Follow Dental Recommendations: Following your dentist’s recommendations for dental procedures, such as proper post-operative care, can help prevent complications that can lead to Lockjaw.
- Protect Your Face and Jaw: Wearing protective gear, such as a mouthguard or helmet, during sports or activities that carry a risk of facial or jaw trauma can help prevent Lockjaw.
- Avoid Excessive Jaw Use: Avoiding activities that require excessive jaw use, such as chewing gum, eating hard or tough foods or opening your jaw too wide, can help prevent overuse and strain of the jaw muscles.
- Seek Prompt Treatment: Seeking prompt treatment for dental or medical issues that can lead to Lockjaw, such as infections or head and neck cancer, can help prevent the condition from developing or worsening.
By following these preventive measures, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing Lockjaw and maintain good oral and overall health. For more information about how to prevent Lockjaw, please contact us.
Managing Lockjaw Until You Can See the Dentist
If you are experiencing symptoms of Lockjaw and are unable to see a dentist or medical professional immediately, there are some steps you can take to manage the condition in the meantime, including:
- Apply a Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce pain and stiffness in the jaw muscles.
- Practice Gentle Jaw Exercises: Gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly opening and closing the mouth or moving the jaw from side to side, can help improve jaw mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Avoiding hard or chewy foods and opting for softer foods can help reduce strain on the jaw muscles and make eating more comfortable.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Medications like muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers may be prescribed to manage symptoms of Lockjaw. Robax Platinum is a combination muscle relaxant and pain reliever medication containing 500mg methocarbanol and ibuprofen 200mg indicated for effective relief of muscle spasm pain. Take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. You are also welcome to use over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your dentist what dosage is right for you, but if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition of allergies, 1000mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) with 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours or as needed is a very powerful combination.
It is important to note that these management techniques should only be used as a temporary solution until you are able to see a dental or medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. For information on self-care measures you can perform at home, please visit our page on Myogenic Trismus Home Care Instructions.
