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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Symptoms Of Lockjaw?

I had lockjaw once, and was helped by flexural. Now I have related pains, though I can chew carefully. The pain in more of an ache, starting by the ear and moving down, sometimes sneaking onto the lower jaw for a couple of inches. The dentist tapped each tooth on that side, revealing no problem tooth, though both upper and lower gums feel the ache. Do these rather vague descriptions indicate lockjaw?
Thu, 23 Mar 2017
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for writing to us..

Your description of having pain in jaw with locking and aching upper and lower gums is indicating towards dislocation in your jaw joint..
This is pointing towards Jaw Joint Dysfunction due to loosening or tear of the ligaments around the jaw joints.
It leads to loosening of the resisting forces around the jaw joint and it will cause movement of the condyle of the lower jaw more forwards or backwards with respect to the exact position in which it should be present..
So my advise to you is to consult an Oral Surgeon and get a clinical examination of your jaw joints done.
Palpation of the jaw joints along with movement of the jaw by opening and closing of mouth will help him in ruling out the cause..
It will be radiographically co-related to a Panoromic x ray.
The treatment protocol that is commonly advised is a combination of pain relievers like Advil and muscle relaxants and Flexeril can also be taken in that regard.
Along with it Physiotherapy to tighten the ligaments, mouth splints or mouth guards also helps in relieving the pain and dislocation.
You should also be cautious not to open the mouth too wide.
Take soft foods and avoid straining the joints by eating hard foods.
Avoid stress and take sufficient rest.

Hope you get well soon..

Regards.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Lockjaw?

Hi.. Thanks for writing to us.. Your description of having pain in jaw with locking and aching upper and lower gums is indicating towards dislocation in your jaw joint.. This is pointing towards Jaw Joint Dysfunction due to loosening or tear of the ligaments around the jaw joints. It leads to loosening of the resisting forces around the jaw joint and it will cause movement of the condyle of the lower jaw more forwards or backwards with respect to the exact position in which it should be present.. So my advise to you is to consult an Oral Surgeon and get a clinical examination of your jaw joints done. Palpation of the jaw joints along with movement of the jaw by opening and closing of mouth will help him in ruling out the cause.. It will be radiographically co-related to a Panoromic x ray. The treatment protocol that is commonly advised is a combination of pain relievers like Advil and muscle relaxants and Flexeril can also be taken in that regard. Along with it Physiotherapy to tighten the ligaments, mouth splints or mouth guards also helps in relieving the pain and dislocation. You should also be cautious not to open the mouth too wide. Take soft foods and avoid straining the joints by eating hard foods. Avoid stress and take sufficient rest. Hope you get well soon.. Regards.