What can cause lockjaw?

You wake up in the morning, and you feel a strange tightness or pain in your jaw. You try to open your mouth, but it resists. Congratulations, you have lockjaw! Do not worry; this article is here to help! Let’s find out what causes lockjaw and how we can prevent it.

First of All – What Is Lockjaw?

So lockjaw refers to a medical condition where the muscles responsible for opening and closing our jaws get stuck, resulting in an inability to open or close our mouths fully. This makes eating, talking, yawning incredibly difficult if not impossible!

Why Does It Happen?

Several factors may cause lockjaw; let’s take a look at them below:

Bruxism: The grinding habit

Bruxism is when someone grinds their teeth unconsciously- often during sleep- leading to several gum-related issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), which causes muscle spasms and muscle stiffening known as lockjaw.

Tetanus: The spasmatic troublemaker

Tetanus is seldom heard of these days unless one has stepped on something rusty and/or dangerous unprotectedly) Rust may contain Clostridium Tetani bacterium that produces toxins attacking nerve cells responsible for relaxation properties interfering with their work duly- causing involuntary contractions/locking called generalized tetanus – can affect any body part including jaw muscles.

Dental Abscesses & Infections: Icky Business

Dental abscesses are infections within root tips or gums due either ordinary decay allowing bacteria growth that enters roots reaching blood vessels around creating abscess pockets then affected area swells pressing nerves yielding ensuing discomfort sorta like ToothacheTM™  but worse failing Treatment = paralysis twisting sound comes from ‘locked’ Grinning Gum Syndrome ensues!

Trauma & Dentistry Work: Shock and awe of the jaw

Like most areas in our body, our jaws can fall victim to trauma or injury. This includes accidents (e.g., car accidents) that may result from a blow to the face/jaw or surgery that involves manipulation of the TMJ. Even though there’s a difference between medical and cosmetic dental procedures – treatments like root canal therapy, tooth extraction evoke pain via teeth-gums-jawbone signal planes reaching nerves making them twitch- ultimately leading spasmic closure aka lockjaw.

Muscle Fatigue: A tired muscle is a tight muscle!

Believe it or not, just like any other body part/system muscles experience fatigue as well! Chewing tough textured food items constantly without resting break down muscle fibres by producing lactic acid buildup within, increasing calcium levels causing intense contractions losing control = jaw sticking until massages/heating/medication relieve stressed out muscle groups.

How Does One Treat Lockjaw?

Fear not reader for we have several ways to treat your stiffness:

### Medication

Anti-inflammatory & pain management meds such as ibuprofen to reduce swellings/stiffness around affected area along with muscle relaxants work great calming overstimulated nerves providing instant yet temporary relief. (Reader take note, do NOT self-diagnose)

Home-Based Treatment

Several home remedies exist; you might want to try if medication doesn’t prove useful at first go:

  • Massages
  • Heat/Ice application strategic points along locked muscles
    • Handheld massagers cans be utilized which vibrate at different speeds aiding blood flow in tense spots.
    • Electric heating pads/wraps can also help ease stress causing contractions within jaw muscles giving warmth locally reducing spasms eventually.
  • Diet changes
    Chewy gum made especially for dental health called salivex generally prescribed before orthodontic treatment increases saliva production protection protecting teeth along with boosting jaw stamina needed for eventual changes
  • Seeking professional help
    • Consulting a chiropractor/physiotherapist/yoga practitioner/a dentist specializing in TMJ disorders may find suitable medical interventions like ultrasound therapy or trigger point injections.

How Does One Prevent Lockjaw?

Prevention is the key to happy healthy life, and we got you covered:

Avoid Teeth Grinding

If Bruxism causing muscle aches. Utilize devices such as splints worn during sleep – reducing most wear & tear resulting in spasm-free nights!

Are You Up-to-Date With Your Tetanus Shot?

Regular tetanus vaccinations protect your muscles from becoming stiff due to infection by bacterial toxins so make sure to have one every ten years at the very least – otherwise tetanus can turn into life-threatening cases called Neonatal Tetanus.”

Keep That Mouth Clean & Healthy!

Maintain good oral hygiene brushing/flossing regularly while avoiding chewing gum/tobacco products that trigger unnecessary tensions leading towards painful spasms/twitches affecting jaw units. Even regular dental cleanings aids maintaining classier than expected Dental Health thereby highlighting daily routine habits leading better overall health qualities.

Lockjaw is quite an uncomfortable experience to go through, but it’s entirely preventable if we take essential steps; medication alone should not be relied upon entirely!. Bruxism, traumas on the face/head area, TMDs dental abscesses are primary sources of locking our jaws- making us feel miserable all day long. By being regular with potential treatments outlined within sections explaining medication/home-based needs while seeking professional help enables proper cure/ prevention plans complete with vaccines emphasizing preventive aspects catering efficient care ensuring happy lockjaw free facial expressions!

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