What causes jaw locking?

Jaw locking, or difficulty opening or closing the jaw, can be caused by a number of different conditions. Some common causes of jaw locking include:

1. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Disorders affecting the jaw joint and muscles can lead to jaw locking.
2. Jaw trauma or injury: Damage to the joint or muscles from a blow or fall to the jaw.
3. Muscle spasms: When the jaw muscles contract and do not relax.
4. Arthritis: Arthritis, which causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, can also cause problems in the temporomandibular joint.
5. Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth at night puts stress on the jaw joint and muscles.
6. Dislocation: When the jaw joint moves out of position.

In order to gather more information about your jaw locking, I need to ask you some questions:

• How long has your jaw locking been going on?
• Does your jaw locking occur in a specific situation? (For example, when you wake up in the morning, while eating, etc.)
• Is your jaw locking accompanied by pain?
• Do you have any other medical conditions or medications?
• Do you have habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth?
• What do you do when your jaw locks? (For example, warm compress, ice, massage, etc.)
• Have you recently suffered a blow to your jaw?

These details will help us better understand the possible causes of your jaw locking. For now, here are some general recommendations:

• Hot or cold compress: Applying a hot or cold compress to your jaw can help relax the muscles.
• Eating soft foods: You can give your jaw a break by avoiding hard foods.
• Controlling teeth clenching or grinding habits: Try using night guards.
• Pain relieving gels: You can use pain relieving gels sold in pharmacies.

I recommend that you visit the appropriate branch. I am not a real doctor and this is not a medical diagnosis.