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The lower jaw is connected to the skull by a joint called the temporomandibular joint. There are actually two joints, one on either side of the head and they are located in front of the ears. They allow the mouth to open and close. Locked jaw refers to any dysfunction of these joints. It can occur suddenly without any prior history. It can occur after injury or due to intermittent jaw locking.

The jaws will be stuck either in a closed or open position of the mouth and will get unstuck instantly. This involves popping sound in jaws, jaw pain, unable to open the mouth or close it, headache, ear pain, toothache and other facial pains. It can be chronic too. This condition can be treated by using self-managed techniques and non-surgical treatments, but if conditions are severe, then consult a doctor.

5 Home Remedies For Lockjaw

1. Epsom Salt

Magnesium deficiency can cause jaw lock and be supplementing the body with the minerals can help relax locked jaws. Epsom salt is a solid source of magnesium, which can be directly absorbed into the body through the skin cells. Magnesium helps in relaxing the jaw, relieves pain and inflammation and is quite beneficial for gums and teeth as well.

Add some Epsom salt to your bath and take a dip in it every day before going to bed. Take 15 minutes dip daily. Use Epsom salt mixed water to wash your face and gently massage while washing your face. Epsom salt is a good detoxifier and flushes away the toxins.

2. Focused Mouth Movements

If the jaws click, try to close your mouth by allowing the tongue to touch the soft palate. When the mouth is closed fully, try to get the touch back to its position. Then slowly try opening your mouth until you can move the tongue inside your mouth. Keep the mouth open and try to keep it open until you count 10.

Do this movement twice whenever you have this problem. If the jaw happens to shift sideward, gently open your mouth and close it. Do this movement carefully, so that it is properly closed without any shift towards the side. Do this five times continuously when you get this problem. Stretch the mouth by opening the mouth wide and close it slowly. This eases the tension in the jaw and relaxes them.

Also Read:

5 Cures For Lockjaw
5 Remedies For Lockjaw

3. Compress

Try alternating warm compress or ice packs for locked jaws. They can help reduce inflammation and pain as well as aid in relaxing the muscles. Take some ice cubes and wrap them in a towel or you can use a frozen bag of vegetables.

Place it on the jaw and allow it to remain for some time. Do not overdo this. For a hot compress, use heating pads or hot water bottles or a towel or cloth damped in a hot water. Place them on the sides of the jaw to relieve pain and relax muscles. Compress will increase the blood circulation to the muscles and ease the muscle tension.

4. Gargling

Take a glass full of hot water and gargle a number of times in a day, if you have locked jaw problem. You can also add a teaspoon of salt with hot water and use this for gargling. Gurgling using salt water or plain hot water will relax the nerves and muscles in the jaw and reduce the problem.

It also helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Salt draws water from the infected site and reduces swelling. It destroys the bacteria and prevents its further multiplication. This will help lockjaw, as it might be caused due to wound in some cases.

5. Drink More Water

Keeping yourself hydrated is the simplest remedy to keep the joint mobile. When you drink more water, the cartilages are kept hydrated.Water helps in maintaining the required volume of blood and thus helps in supplying the nutrients to the joints and various organs of the body. Drinking more water relaxes the jaw joints and it will ease the tension in jaw muscles.