TMJ disorders are issues that affect your temporomandibular joints. These are the hinge-like joints that connect your lower jaw to the rest of the jaw. They make all movements with the mouth possible. People with temporomandibular joint disorders often find themselves dealing with symptoms like pain, inflammation, and jaw stiffness.
At times, the patient’s jaw’s stiffness can be severe enough to lock up their jaw, temporarily or permanently taking away their ability to open or close their mouth. Lockjaw brings its own share of symptoms, which include:
Treatment for lockjaw starts with a dentist examining the patient to determine the cause of their problem. Getting treatment early on can be the difference between getting a permanent solution to your problem or dealing with chronic TMJ issues for the rest of your life.
The dentist's approach to treating the patient's issues depends on factors like how long the issues have persisted, their severity, and any underlying issues that could be contributing to it.
Some of the treatments a dentist might recommend to address lockjaw include:
There are many simple things you can do in combination with the treatment you get from a dentist to help alleviate the symptoms of lockjaw, like sticking to softer foods, taking smaller bites, and not opening your mouth too wide when yawning. Avoiding habits like chewing on gum, ice, or biting your fingernails also helps to reduce the pressure put on your TMJ.
Tired of dealing with pain, inflammation, and jaw stiffness? Give us a call or visit our Stoughton dental clinic to set up a consultation appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
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