Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

My jaw is closing shut. How do I know when to go see a doctor?
(15 Apr 2009)

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From your question, it seems you are suffering from a condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. It is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull and is important for a variety of functions like chewing, talking, and opening and closing of the mouth. People suffering from TMJ syndrome has often have difficulty in opening or closing their mouths, and in any other movement of the jaw.

Other symptoms of TMJ syndrome are pain around the jaw and ear, difficulty in swallowing, chewing or talking, swelling, and sudden locking of the jaw.

The locking of the jaw usually cannot be predicted in TMJ patients. If you can feel that the jaw is stuck, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The locked jaw needs to be treated by experienced medical practitioners. Therefore, it is advisable to get yourself treated by a doctor the moment you start feeling uneasiness in moving your jaw.

There are, however, certain precautionary measures you should take to minimize the chances of jaw locking. Do not open your mouth very wide – be particularly careful while yawning, and support the lower jaw with your hand every time you have to yawn. You should also avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Chewing gums, hard candies, betel nuts are to be avoided as far as possible. Also, try some exercises of the jaw so that the muscles are strengthened, which helps to move your jaw better. Lift your tongue to touch the roof of your mouth and then slowly move your jaw up and down. You can also massage the jaw joints several times a day. Before you do any jaw exercise, apply hot compress on the joints so that the area around the joint is appropriately warmed up. Also, ensure that you do maintain proper relaxed posture of your jaw and avoid overusing it. It may not be possible to avoid jaw locking altogether, but following these precautions can help to prevent it significantly. You can also ask your doctor about some relaxing techniques and stretching exercises for the jaw. Regular relaxation and stretching exercises can bring significant improvement in patients suffering from TMJ syndrome.

Finally, follow a healthy diet and maintain a relaxed lifestyle. You can eat anything that is fresh and nutritious, but the preference should be towards foods that are soft and easy to chew.

answered by M W on 15 Apr 2009, 4:06:22

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

My jaw is closing shut. How do I know when to go see a doctor? (15 Apr 2009)

My jaw is closing shut. How do I know when to go see a doctor?
(15 Apr 2009)