Have you ever been unable to close or open your jaw? You may have felt like someone took a lock and key and put it on your jaw, not allowing you to open or close it. If you tried to move your jaw, it likely felt incredibly painful and unsuccessful. If TMJ is the cause, you need TMJ treatment to prevent this from occurring repeatedly throughout the rest of your life. We provide comprehensive dental care in Moore County and understand how stressful and painful lockjaw can be. If it ever happens to you, we want you to visit us for a dental emergency as soon as possible. From there, our TMJ and airway specialist can help you resolve your symptoms with a proper treatment plan.

What is Lockjaw?

Lockjaw, also known as trismus, is a disorder that affects the jaw muscles. It occurs when a spasm in the muscles used for chewing limits your ability to open or close your mouth. This condition can make eating, talking, or maintaining oral hygiene incredibly difficult. For some, it’s a temporary problem, while for others, it may become more persistent. In severe cases, lockjaw can even affect facial appearance or make swallowing and oral examinations challenging.

Because lockjaw can quickly escalate in discomfort and severity, it’s important to seek emergency or urgent dental care in Aberdeen, NC as soon as symptoms appear. Getting a prompt diagnosis and beginning treatment early can help restore comfort, prevent complications, and protect your overall oral health.

What Causes Lockjaw?

Lockjaw, or trismus, can develop for several reasons, ranging from infection to inflammation or muscle strain. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward effective relief.

  • Infection: A serious bacterial infection such as tetanus can interfere with the nervous system and cause muscle spasms that lock the jaw in place. Tetanus bacteria often enter the body through burns, cuts, animal or insect bites, and even untreated dental infections. In some cases, infections in the teeth, gums, or jawbone may also trigger jaw stiffness.
  • Inflammation or TMJ Dysfunction: When the soft tissues around the jaw become inflamed, movement can become painful and restricted. This is one of the most common causes we see at our dental office. Excessive strain or imbalance in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to tightness in the surrounding muscles, making it difficult to open or close your mouth comfortably.
  • Trauma or Dental Procedures: Jaw injuries, prolonged dental treatments, or recovery after wisdom tooth extraction can cause temporary inflammation or tightness in the muscles responsible for jaw movement. Without proper care, these symptoms can progress into longer-term jaw dysfunction.
  • Other Causes: Certain oral diseases, high fevers, and some medications or medical conditions affecting the head and neck may also contribute to lockjaw.

If you’re having difficulty opening or closing your mouth, it’s important to seek urgent dental care in Moore County. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and restore normal jaw function.

Homecare for Lockjaw

If you’re experiencing mild jaw stiffness or limited movement, there are a few simple steps you can try at home to relieve discomfort before seeking professional care.

One of the first things you can do to ease pressure from lockjaw is to apply a warm compress to your jaw several times a day, alternating with a cold compress to reduce pain and inflammation. Gently massaging the jaw muscles and practicing slow, relaxed movements can also help improve mobility.

If these home remedies don’t improve your ability to open and close your mouth, it’s time to seek a professional evaluation.

Professional Treatment for Lasting Relief

If homecare doesn’t relieve your symptoms or your jaw continues to lock, professional treatment can make all the difference. At Kuhn Dental Associates, we use advanced diagnostics and personalized TMJ therapy to uncover the root cause of your discomfort and restore proper jaw function.

Your treatment may include gentle jaw exercises, oral appliances to balance your bite, or therapies to relax overworked muscles. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future episodes of lockjaw so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.

Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. If you’re unable to open or close your mouth or are experiencing jaw stiffness, contact our office for TMJ treatment and comprehensive dental care in Moore County. Call us at (910) 692-4450 to schedule your visit or get urgent dental care in Aberdeen, NC today.