How to treat lockjaw after a wisdom tooth eruption at 18?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old female with a closed lockjaw. I have had my jaw locked briefly in the past for every few days, but it would always unlock. A few years back, when my jaw locked, it could not be unlocked again.

It has been one and a half years since I do not think I will ever be able to get my jaw to unlock again. I try to sleep by biting down on something, but it has not helped and worsened my pain.

I am afraid that I may have damaged the disk in my jaw to the point it would not unlock again.

Also, my bottom wisdom tooth on the locked side is erupting. I had a habit of grinding my teeth to sleep during childhood. The cracking and locking of my jaw started when I was 13.

When I was 16, my jaw locked completely at sleep. I am currently only taking Metformin (500 mg), Spironolactone (50 mg), and Oxybutynin (5 mg). What are the steps to treat this ongoing issue? How to get pain relief?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

I suggest you consult an oral surgeon. But to unlock the jaw, practice some exercise every day.

Balloon face- Fill your mouth with air and keep your lips tightly sealed, similar to a monkey face. Practice this whenever you are free.
Put two fingers between teeth and then stretch them. If you want to know the proper way, consult a doctor for these exercises.
Buy a massage oil for face arthritis. Do a massage twice a day.

Additionally, if you have been advised medications such as spironolactone for any associated condition, please take it only under medical supervision and follow your doctor’s dosage instructions carefully.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.