TMJ/lock jaw anyone?

AACraven85

Pre-preg my jaw would sometimes lock up in the morning (maybe twice a year). About a week or so ago it started to do this every morning,  but after 5-20 minutes it would open up and feel fine. I'm swollen all over and kind of chalk up my jaw locking up based on swelling everywhere, if that makes sense.

Now, my jaw has been locked up since Tuesday. I can open it just wide enough to eat but man is it ever uncomfortable. I'm obviously going to ask my dr. about it at my next appointment, but I was just curious if this has happened to anyone else during this pregnancy or any previous ones? What did you do to help/cure it?

AimeeLee

I hope that its somewhat normal as I've been having the same problem for a couple weeks now.  It seems worse in the morning but it really does last all day long.  It makes it very uncomfortable.  I've just been taking tylenol when it gets bad and I can't deal with it anymore other than that i'm not sure what to do.

JenLuvsRichard

this has happened to me a few times at night when I lay on my right side, it makes it to where my mouth won't open on the right side at all. but it's been about a month since that happened.

Jessie_ea

This isn't something that has happened to me since being pregnant, but I have had TMJ. My jaw never actually locked up to where I couldn't open it, but I get a clicking noise when I open and close my mouth. It can be and usually is cause by grinding your teeth (usually at night). I had to go to my dentist and he corrected the damage from the grinding and I got a mouth guard to sleep in so that I couldn't grind them anymore. So I guess it's possible that you've started grinding your teeth in your sleep since you've gotten pregnant?

princessvespa1

I have this happen frequently, even when not pregnant (usually worse if I am stressed out about something).  Try taking a couple of Tylenol and using a heating pad on the side of your face that is sore and locking.  Sometimes I have to open my jaw up using a circular motion, instead of just a straight opening motion (does that make sense?) - like slide your jaw to the left first and then open it and then swing it over to the other side and then close it.  That sometimes helps, sometimes makes it hurt more.   I've talked to my doctor about it and he says talk to my dentist about it and he says talk to my doctor about it.  So yeah, I've learned to deal.