Recently my jaw started clicking but now when i went to the orthodontist to get my brace fitted he kept my mouth open for aprox 30 mins. As he was doing this my jaw got stiffer and stiffer i thought this was just the brace. I am now on my second day of the jaw problem . I cannot open my jaw wider than about a cm. But last night i went to sleep and it was ok for about 10 minutes and after the 10 minutes it went stiff again. Does anyone know what this is ?
2007-03-09 21:27:55 · 5 answers · asked by vikki m 2 in Health ➔ Dental
My Daughter had this too, she could only get her mouth open about 10mm, we took her to a chiropractor and he did some adjustments and then ordered a special plate( a soft one) to help her. she is able to eat properly now and has no problems opening her mouth. By the way it was caused by the dentist and orthodontist.
2007-03-09 21:34:02 · answer #1 · answered by lyndell v 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Clicking and/or popping of the jaw + orthodontic work makes me think your bite is off. Once your teeth have been positioned properly and your bite is corrected, your jaw wont pop anymore.
If you can't open your mouth to even eat, call your orthodontist immediately, ask what's going on, and make an appointment if necessary. It sounds like you just got your braces and/or just went through the first of many awkward adjustments. They can be very painful and it can last several days.
Take an anti-inflammatory. I'm going to advise that you DO NOT take aspirin (explanation below). Take something like ibuprofen (Advil), or Naproxen Sodium (Aleve). It will reduce the swelling and help with the pain. Use a small ice pack to also help reduce pain and swelling.
*Aspirin is never taken before surgery. If, for any reason you should need to have some form of surgery for this, I want you to be aspirin-free. Doubtful. But I want you to be safe.
2007-03-09 21:42:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your jaw muscles are "splinting", meaning they're trying to protect your jaw joints...just like you would instictively hold your arm close to your body if you had an arm injury. Try anti-inflammatories (Advil, Aleve) just like a previous person suggested. Take the meds regularly. Use ice bags on your jaw muscles (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) and massage and gently stretch. Also try taking a hot shower and let the water hit your jaw while you massage. Eat nothing tougher than scrambled eggs until you improve!
2007-03-09 22:02:45 · answer #3 · answered by Christy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but you need to go back to dentist.
2007-03-09 21:35:49 · answer #4 · answered by holly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have TMJ - see an oral surgeon
2007-03-09 23:08:37 · answer #5 · answered by bad_bob_69 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋