Jaw Problems

Jaw problems include all disorders in the jaw bones that lead to the production of clicking or grating noises when a person is chewing or yawning. These symptoms such as a persistent stiffness and intense pain in the jaw bone are very characteristic symptoms of a disorder known as tempero-mandibular joint syndrome. Jaw pain may not always be localized in the jaw itself and the pain can sometimes extend or radiate all the way down to the neck and will result in the production of splitting headaches and earaches. Jaw movement can be severely hindered during an incidence of a jaw disorder, as jaw movement may not be smooth and the joint joining the lower jaw becomes stiff, so much in fact that the mouth cannot fully open-this causes immense distress to the person affected by the jaw problem. The facial features may also be rendered asymmetric because of this problem.

The development of muscle tension in the regions around the jaw is the cause of many of these jaw problems. Repeated clenching of the teeth or behaviors like teeth grinding in response to stress is responsible for the muscle tension. Jaw problems can also result because of a faulty bite due to misaligned teeth, these problems also occur if there are tooth ailments present in the back molars. Very high or very low crowns in the teeth crowns can also bring about some physical changes in the musculature and the joints occurring in the jaw, especially if they persist over a long period of time. The improper development of teeth during childhood is the cause of teeth misalignment, this disorder of dentition is very common in occurrence these days and it has been linked to the consumption of a diet poor in essential nutrients and very high in sugars. The presence of other conditions such as scleroderma and arthritis also result in the development of this syndrome. If it is developed somewhere else in the body, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause symptoms like stiffness and pain in the joints-a diagnosis will be able to determine if the condition affecting a person is really a jaw problem or if it is the result of some other problem such as arthritis.

Supplements and herbs

The essential minerals calcium and magnesium given as regular supplements will help to relieve tension in the muscles of the jaws-these minerals will alleviate tightness and cramping sensations in the muscles. If the real underlying problem is physical or emotional stress, taking the B vitamins will help deal with the effects of stress.

Stiffness in the jaws can be relieved by consuming various herbal remedies which also fortify the diet with a lot of relaxing nutrients.

Lock jaw is effectively relieved by a tincture made from the lobelia herb; this tincture is a very powerful herbal relaxant. Dosage of this tincture can be 15-20 drops of tincture mixed in a glass of water used once every hour to beat back acute pain in the body. To soothe the painful sensation and to help speed up the healing of injured muscles and tendons, carefully rub the oil of the St. John's wort on to the affected area of the jaw, all along the area lying just below the ear.

Additional things you may do

Opening the mouth wide can put great strain on the muscles of the jaw, so if at all possible- do not take large bites when eating and avoid chewing large pieces of food in the mouth, such an action will strain the jaw muscles immensely and put extreme stress on the jaw muscles. The situation can improve in about six months-take small bites whenever eating within this period, as the muscles slowly heals and recovers.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin B complex, 30 mg thrice a day.
• Magnesium, 500 mg.
• Calcium, 1,000 mg.

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