The lower jaw can be moved because of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Sometimes, the jaw joint is painful or locked due to stress, shifting of the jaw, and the habit of grinding teeth. A locked jaw is usually painful and this complaint often triggers other problems, such as headaches and pain in the neck or face. To fix this, massage your jaw and practice some movements to relax your jaw so you don't tense up. If the locked jaw is getting worse or worse, consult a doctor so that the problem is treated immediately. Keep your jaw healthy by wearing dental guards and avoiding stress to keep your jaw relaxed.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Jaw Massage
Step 1. Perform therapy using a warm object or compress the jaw with a warm towel
Wrap a bag filled with warm water in a towel or soak a clean towel in warm water. Compress both sides of the jaw with a warm towel for 10-15 minutes to relax the jaw and reduce inflammation.
- Get in the habit of warming your jaw before massage so it doesn't tense up and doesn't lock.
- To treat locked jaws, do this therapy several times a day for 10-15 minutes each.
Step 2. Massage the jaw with your fingers
Place your finger on your lower jaw just below your cheekbones. Massage your jaw slowly by sliding your finger closer to your ear. Look for the flat bones under the ears. Use 2-3 fingers to gently massage the jaw then massage while making circular motions.
- This step is useful for flexing and stimulating the jaw muscles so that they relax again.
- Also massage the other side of the jaw to relax both jaw joints.
Step 3. Press the mandibular muscle with your index finger
The mandibular muscles run along the lower jaw. Relax the mandibular muscles by pressing them for 5-10 seconds. Do not press too long if the muscle is very sore.
After some time, gentle pressure makes the mandibular muscles feel comfortable. For some people, this method can overcome a locked jaw or relax the jaw
Step 4. Flex the jaw joint using your thumb
Place both thumbs on the jaw line just above the mandibular muscles. Apply pressure to the muscles as you slide your thumbs down the lower jaw to pull the muscles away from the upper jaw. This stretch is beneficial for relaxing the jaw joint.
- Alternatively, place 2 fingers on the mandibular muscles and 2 fingers on the upper jaw. Then, slide your fingers closer together until your fingertips meet. Let your fingers press your cheek for a few seconds to relax the muscles.
- If you're having trouble doing it yourself, ask a friend or partner to help you.
Step 5. Move your lower jaw left and right with your hands
To relax your jaw, place your palms on either side of your lower jaw and move them left and right. Do not jerk or press your jaw hard. Shake your jaw in small motions until your jaw is relaxed and unlocked.
- You can move your jaw up and down with your hands as an aid. Gently massage your jaw with your fingers as you move it up and down for a comfortable feel.
- If you can't move your lower jaw at all or feel very painful when you massage or move it, see a doctor immediately. Do not force the jaw to move because the problem can get worse.
Step 6. Massage your jaw 1-2 times a day
If the jaw feels more relaxed, massage once a day after the jaw is warmed. Gradually, the jaw is not locked because it is in the right position so that it can move normally.
See a doctor if the jaw does not improve after 2-3 days
Method 2 of 4: Performing Movements to Train the Jaw
Step 1. Lie on your back with your knees bent
Begin the exercise by lying relaxed on a soft mat or mat while placing your head and neck as comfortably as possible on the floor.
Use a thin pillow to support your head if this makes your jaw and face feel more comfortable
Step 2. Focus on the jaw, face and neck
Inhale and exhale several times while paying attention to the condition of the face, jaw, and neck. Observe the presence or absence of tension in the face or neck. Tell yourself that your jaw feels tight and uncomfortable.
Step 3. Try to open and close your mouth slowly
Inhale while opening your mouth little by little as long as you don't feel pain or stiffness. Then, exhale while closing your mouth without clenching your teeth. Let your neck and face relax as you practice.
- Do this movement 5-10 times while inhaling when opening your mouth and exhaling when closing your mouth.
- Don't force yourself to open your mouth. Cover your mouth if your jaw feels sore or stiff. Rest your jaw as needed to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Step 4. Move your jaw left and right
If it's not too sore or painful, start moving your jaw left and right slowly. Inhale as your jaw moves to the left. Exhale as the jaw returns to the center. Inhale as your jaw moves to the right.
- Do this movement 5-10 times for each side.
- Stop practicing if your jaw starts to hurt or hurt. Do not force yourself so that the condition of the jaw does not get worse.
Step 5. Do the jaw movement exercise once a day
Keep your jaw comfortable and relaxed by doing this exercise once a day. Get in the habit of practicing at the same time every day so that your jaw gets used to this movement.
If the jaw does not return to comfort or becomes more painful, consult a doctor for therapy
Method 3 of 4: See a Doctor for Treatment
Step 1. See a doctor if the jaw is still locked despite self-medicating
If the jaw has been massaged or exercised with movements, but it is still locked, consult a doctor. It is able to pinpoint the cause and provide options to resolve the issue.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat a locked jaw, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, pain relievers, medications to relax muscles, relieve anxiety, or low-dose antidepressants. Ask your doctor before taking other medications, including over-the-counter medications
Step 2. See a doctor if you have a headache or neck pain due to a locked jaw
Occasionally, severe jaw locking triggers headaches and neck pain so that the neck becomes stiff or swollen. In addition, the face also feels sore and tense. So that the problem does not get worse, consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Step 3. Let the doctor examine your jaw and determine the cause of the problem
The doctor will examine your jaw to determine how severe your problem is. If needed, he will ask you for an X-ray to find out the condition and position of your jaw.
Sometimes, doctors ask patients to undergo an MRI of the jaw in order to determine the cause of the problem and the appropriate solution
Step 4. Let the doctor return your jaw to its proper position
The doctor will do local anesthesia or give medication to relax the muscles so that the jaw is not tense. After that, he will pull your jaw down and then return it to its proper position.
- This procedure can be done in the doctor's office and is usually painless.
- In order for the jaw to recover quickly, you must go on a diet because after therapy, you should only consume fluids.
Step 5. Ask your doctor about botox injections to relax your jaw
Botox can relax the jaw muscles and relieve stiffness in the jaw joint. Botox injections can be given directly to the jaw muscles to relax the jaw and treat a locked jaw.
- Botox injections in the jaw should only be done occasionally because the muscles become weak if Botox is injected frequently.
- Remember that health insurance does not necessarily cover the cost of botox injections because this is considered a cosmetic therapy. Make sure first by contacting the insurance agent.
Step 6. Consider surgical treatment options
If your jaw is still locked frequently, your doctor may suggest that you undergo surgery to prevent the jaw from shifting again. This surgery is a major operation and requires a long recovery period. During your recovery, you should only drink fluids and not talk at all for a speedy recovery. The doctor will explain the risks and the postoperative recovery period before performing the surgery.
Often, jaw massage, exercises, and the use of dental guards can prevent this problem from recurring
Method 4 of 4: Maintaining Jaw Health
Step 1. Wear protective gear while sleeping
The plastic gear guard prevents you from grinding your teeth or tightening your jaw. The doctor will make a special dental guard for you that must be worn at night. This tool is molded according to the shape of the teeth and the position when biting so it feels more comfortable than if you wear dental guards sold in stores.
Make sure the shape really fits you and wear it every night. If worn regularly, dental guards can prevent jaw locking and maintain jaw health
Step 2. Don't chew hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
Avoid chewy foods (such as steak) and crunchy vegetables (such as carrots and broccoli). Don't eat hard or chewy candy because it puts pressure on the jaw. Do not chew ice cubes because it is bad for the teeth and jaw.
When eating, do not open your mouth too wide because the jawbone can shift. Chew your food slowly, being careful not to bite so hard that your jaw shifts
Step 3. Do massage and jaw exercises regularly
Get in the habit of massaging your jaw before going to bed at night or every morning to keep your jaw relaxed and comfortable. Do jaw movement exercises once a day or several times a week so that the jaw is not tense or stiff.
Step 4. Work on dealing with stress
Stress and anxiety sometimes make you tighten or clench your jaw so tightly that your jaw locks. Set aside time for exercise each day by running or walking to relieve yourself of stress. Regularly engage in relaxing activities, such as painting, knitting, or drawing, to keep you relaxed.
