Ask a Dentist

Q: Do I have tetanus if my jaw feels tight and it makes a clicking noise?

A woman holds a candy apple right outside a candy store.

We’re sorry to hear about your discomfort. Eating should be a positive experience, not a painful one.

Don’t hesitate to get expert advice on the pain you’re going through. Lockjaw could be a sign of tetanus, but it could also be a sign of a minor toothache or earache.

If you just went through oral surgery (such as having your wisdom teeth removed), the lockjaw could just be a symptom of your body adjusting to the recent changes. In this case, your discomfort could disappear in a couple of days or weeks.

Painful clicking or popping in the jaw, however, is potentially a sign of Temporomandibular Disorder.

Remember, symptoms vary depending on the person. Before you Google your symptoms, self-diagnose and worry about conditions you might not have, we recommend calling a specialist. Your dentist will be able to review your dental history, make a proper diagnosis and come up with a solution that’s right for you. This may involve heat therapy, gentle massage, soft diet, or physiotherapy. Finding help is as simple as making a call and booking an appointment.

If you don’t have a dentist right now, you can call us anytime or book online. We’re always accepting new patients. In the meantime, you can opt for anti-inflammatory drugs and soft foods to relieve some of the pain.

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