My jaw locks up every now and then. It locks up on my right side and I can’t open my mouth all the way. I learned to avoid chewing gum because it gets my jaw tired and then locks up. But it just got like it again, from laying down on that side.
Any ideas how to stop this or what to do when it gets like that?
2006-11-10 11:38:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
It sounds like you might have something called an internal derrangement of your temporomandibular joint which is causing a spontaneously reducing closed lock.
The jaw joint is the most unusual joint in the body because it first opens like a door hinge and then it dislocates itself on purpose as it opens wide. In between the socket and the jaw bone there is a piece of cartilage called a disk that is like a cushion so the bones won't scrape together as it moves. In 60% of people this is in the wrong place. So that by itself is not a big deal. However in some people this disk moves around in the wrong place and so when you open wide, and the jaw dislocates itself, the disk falls into the socket or in the way where the jaw bone usually fits and then you can't open your mouth.
You need to see a dentist who specializes in this or an oral surgeon who specializes in this or a facial pain specialist or a TMJ specialist. They would try to figure out if this is what is going on and then try to help with the problem. Physical therapy might help if they recommend that because it could strengthen the muscles around the joint to help your jaw move in the correct way.
Because your problem goes away by itself, it is called spontaneously reducing. Surgery is usually avoided unless you have severe pain that nothing helps, or severe limitations on moving your jaw around. However, if it becomes a severe problem, there is a surgery that could help, but that is usually saved for the most extreme problems.
It probably is not related to wisdom teeth.
But you should see one of these dentists or specialists to know for sure and to do something about it.
2006-11-10 18:07:47 · answer #1 · answered by romanseight 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go see your dentist. I would not recommend a chiropractor until after you have seen a dentist. A dentist is a doctor that specializes on the mouth (jaws included). He can help you diagnose if you have TMJ disorder and then decide what the best treatment is for you. This may entail a night guard, and exercises to help strengthen your jaw. You might have to give up gum chewing (which it looks like you have), and any other activity that strains your jaw. It sounds like you need to strengthen more than anything else and a dentist will help you do this. A chiropractor tries to realign your bones, but the TMJ shouldn't be realigned. It is a very tight jaw and there is not much room for realignment.
Again, the best thing you can do is see you dentist.
I would not recommend going to a chiropractor first. Would you go to a foot doctor if you hurt your arm? Would you go to a psychiatrist if you need heart surgery? So why would you go to a chiropractor before you went to a doctor that specialized in the jaw? Go see your dentist.
2006-11-10 12:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by johntara04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend a chiropractor. You may have a mechanical obstruction of the disc, preventing your jaw from translating. That will require specialized care. As far as I know it is possible to have a true closed lock without any pain.
2017-01-01 16:54:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this sounds like TMJ - a problem in the joint at the top of your jaw. It can be caused by losing the back teeth, and the joint slides too far forward - or other things. See a chiropractor first - they can help the problem by getting the joint back in place, and give you ideas how to avoid further trouble. I've had it, too - I know how bad it feels. Good luck!
2006-11-10 11:43:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
im not a dentist , but as a dental assistant and working every day in this field may i ask you a few question ?
are you clenching or grinding your teeth at night , or in the morning you feel pain in your jaw?
could be many reasons , you might need a appliance as known as nightguard or you might need a check with an dentist and then he will make the referal for an specialist if it is TMJ disfunction
TMJ ( TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT )
2006-11-10 11:54:15 · answer #5 · answered by romanitza32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1st try the chiropractor. It may take several visits as mine does when it goes out of place. Have a night guard made for your mouth as well. But even with my night guard I still need the chiropractor. I can finally allow myself to yawn now without my jaw popping out of place or locking. Ahhhh relief!
2006-11-10 22:03:07 · answer #6 · answered by AK 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is usualy caused by TMJ Tibular Mandibular Joint pain or problems with it clicking or whatever. i have no real answers but f you google it you may find something about it. good luck.
2006-11-10 11:43:13 · answer #7 · answered by MISS-MARY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mine used to do that i had to have my wisdom teeth remove.. go to your dentist for a check up
2006-11-10 11:42:19 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my mom suffers with the same thing......she masages it alot and she goes to therapy....
2006-11-10 11:46:51 · answer #9 · answered by mandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.tmj.org/
mine does too!!
2006-11-10 11:42:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋