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Suggest Treatment For Locked Jaw

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Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015
Question: I do not have any pain but sometimes my mouth does not want to open and when I try to put food into my mouth it becomes like a game, will it open to take food or close before I can put spoon or fork to my mouth. Very embarrassing in company so I prefer to eat or try to eat alone. food in my mouth it closes.
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
TMJ problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It sounds like you are having a problem in your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) usually this causes pain but not always. I will give you a few things to try, but if they do not work please see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Anti-inflammatory medication: you could try taking some ibuprofen or naproxen for a few weeks. This may relieve any tightness or stiffness in the joint.

Isometric exercises: in these exercises you are not really moving the joint just trying to move the joint against pressure that you apply with your hand. 1) open the jaw one inch, place your hand under your chin and keep the jaw from moving as you push down with your jaw, hold this for 5 seconds then release.
2) hold you hand in front of your chin to keep it from moving then push the jaw forward against your hand, hold it for 5 seconds.

Use some warm compresses to the jaws before doing the isometric exercises and repeat the exercises several times during the day.

If these do not work see your doctor or dentist for additional help
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Locked Jaw

Brief Answer: TMJ problem Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. It sounds like you are having a problem in your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) usually this causes pain but not always. I will give you a few things to try, but if they do not work please see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication: you could try taking some ibuprofen or naproxen for a few weeks. This may relieve any tightness or stiffness in the joint. Isometric exercises: in these exercises you are not really moving the joint just trying to move the joint against pressure that you apply with your hand. 1) open the jaw one inch, place your hand under your chin and keep the jaw from moving as you push down with your jaw, hold this for 5 seconds then release. 2) hold you hand in front of your chin to keep it from moving then push the jaw forward against your hand, hold it for 5 seconds. Use some warm compresses to the jaws before doing the isometric exercises and repeat the exercises several times during the day. If these do not work see your doctor or dentist for additional help Regards, Dr. Robinson