This morning I went to yawn and my mouth got stuck open. It wouldn't close at all. I kept trying to force it shut and finally when I pushed down and back a little did it finally go back into place and close. Is this what you call lockjaw? What is it exactly? Is it something I should worry about?
*I've been having problems with my jaw since my brother hit me in the face with a shoe about 6-7 years ago, but this is the first time it actually locked open like that. Usually it just cracks and pops sometimes. Also, I just got a tooth pulled a few weeks ago, could that be what caused it?
2006-08-02 15:45:56 · 17 answers · asked by Carrie! 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
You have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMJ disorders are a group of complex problems related to the jaw joint. Trauma to the jaw is one of the behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ disorders. The most common symptom of TMJ problem is painful clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth. Let me guess… you should also have bad headaches, earaches, and dizziness sometimes?? In about 90 percent of cases, the patient's description of symptoms, combined with a simple physical examination of the face and jaw, provides information useful for diagnosing the TMJ disorders. My advise to you is to see a ORAL-Medicine dentist who specialize in TMJ disorder. Your general dentist should be able to refer you to one!! Hope that helps.
2006-08-02 15:54:44 · answer #1 · answered by Angela 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like what you're suffering from, is called TMJ, it's an inflamation of the joints connected to the jaw, and the muscles that control this reaction, on either side of your face. Usually, the muscles run in front of your ears, behind your eyes...and if it's tender, can make life uncomfortable.
First thing, is with your fingers, feel the edge of the jaw, and try to find the point where the two jaws meet. Do they feel rounded, or are they seperate? If they are seperated, then you might need surgery, or the dentist might reccomend some rest.
Sometimes, the lockjaw sensation you mention, is caused by the jawpoints resting on top of one another....yawning again, or that popping sensation releases it....it's also caused by the jaw trying to reset in reference to the bottom jaw. It's not a lot of fun, but at the same time, the options are a little limited, resting....surgery is an option, but most don't reccomend it.
Also, hit your brother with a bat, see if he likes it. My problem is due to tooth loss....you might also ask the dentist for more drugs....it helps sometimes.
2006-08-02 15:55:28 · answer #2 · answered by steveraven 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tetanus Also called: Lockjaw Tetanus is a serious illness caused by tetanus bacteria. The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust and manure. The bacteria usually enter the body through a deep cut, or a bite if the animal is infected. So yes it is possible, but highly unlikely in my opinion, as the opossum would have to 1. be infected and 2. bite the horse. I would worry more about a cut from a nail. I hope this helps you out.
2016-03-26 21:07:49 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the history of injury, it sounds more like it is TMJ. Rather than going to a doctor, I would go to a dentist who specializes in this and get advice. Opening wide and reefing to get a tooth out can do things to the jaw.
2006-08-02 16:59:58 · answer #4 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lockjaw is Tetanus.
Which you do not have.
That disease is painful and it wouldn't present like this.
It sounds more like a case of TMJ, with a disc that slipped in your jaw when you yawned. Go back to the dentist and see if they can do something for you like a bite plate.
2006-08-02 15:50:28 · answer #5 · answered by PreviouslyChap 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might be something my dentist calls TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder
http://atoz.iqhealth.com/HealthAnswers/encyclopedia/HTMLfiles/2350.html
Temporomandibular joint disorders may cause a wide variety of complaints, such as:
a clicking or snapping noise heard in the joint when the jaw is opened and closed
headaches
jaw pain
joint locking open or shut
limited ability to open the mouth
pain behind the eye
pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, and back
spasm or pain in the muscles used for chewing
2006-08-02 15:52:06 · answer #6 · answered by looloo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had something similar happen to me eariler this year, it sounds like TMJ, which is where the joint in your jaw is not allowed to rotate smoothly because some disk in the joint is displaced.
sometimes you just need to eat soft foods only, and avoid chewing gum, applying heat can also help. if the popping feeling does not go away after this you should see a dentist, because TMJ can be quite serious.
2006-08-02 15:55:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have "TMJ" you want to avoid a lot of stuff to prevent the pain and lock jaw such as no gum, BJ's, chewing hard stuff.
You can get an Occusal Guard from your dentist it helps but it is expensive. If this don't work for you set up a consult. with an orthodontists and see if they think braces will help.
2006-08-02 15:55:03 · answer #8 · answered by Jill1012 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you get lock jaw from stepping on rusty nails stuff like that, sometimes that happens you might stuff have a little problem with your jaw..Maybe go to a doctor
2006-08-02 15:51:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is not lockjaw! Your jaw was dislocated and you can discuss it with an Orthopedist.
2006-08-02 15:50:46 · answer #10 · answered by vadragonslayer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋