Doctor or dentist can't open mouth

[silvershark22]

I have pain in my ear and jaw on the right side. There doesnt seem to be any swelling but can only open my mouth enough to get a finger in. I am feeling really quite unwell, shivering vomitting amd had a temp. Also but dont think related had hives. Not sure who is best to contactct dr or dentist.

Doctor I would have thought. Might be an ear infection?

Do you have wisdom teeth? Are you a regular attender at the dentist?
Trismus can be caused by a wisdom tooth infection.
GP first if possible- to check your ear. Dentist can’t do anything if you can’t open! You need antibiotics but then if no cause is found check for a dental cause.

Thanks.
I last went to the dentist about two months ago. There is a touth on that side which has a deep filling. At the time the dentist said was questionably in need of an root canal No wisdom teeth out of thee gum on that side. However, i could feel it on the lower jaw near the tongue dentist said only tend to cause problems when through the gum.

I think i could openenough to get an xray thing in.

I would phone 111 and take their advice (which quite likely would be to go to ED). If you’re having difficulty swallowing/vomiting a lot/it’s getting more difficult to open your mouth then go straight to ED. (FWIW am a doctor)

How are you managing to vomit if you can’t open your mouth???

Tetanus? Have have had a bite/cut from something dirty? It's also called 'lockjaw' for a reason. Call 111 for advice.

This was my first thought too. You really need to be seen by a doctor.

111. Ask them about sepsis. You need to be seen asap.

Dont think its tetinus. Had a jab last year and no obvious injuries.

I would be entirely happy to see you in my emergency department… (you need to be in one with max-fax surgeons so a decent size one)

Will call 111 and see what they say.

I’d go to a&e.

How would I know if a hospital had max fac? I am north east London if that helps.

Am feseling a lot better after paracetamol and water. I wonder if shydration is a factor as was hot yesterday and slept most of the afternoon and evening aso didnt drink and urine was really concentrated earlier. So am getting some fluids in.

You need medical advice and promptly. Phone 111 now, and see what they say. You may have an infection.

Called 111 they have said to call dentists today

Feeling worried though as a number of you seem to be suggesting an ED.

I have previously had sepsis and dont feel as bad as then. My hr is 92 according to fitbit so not verry high. Yesterday it did feel like a seveer infection as was shivering and felt really weak. However, it hasnt continued to progress and am feeling unwell but better after sleep.

My wisdom teeth half grew into my cheeks and became infected and I couldn’t open my jaw at all, so it could be something like this. The dentist gave me antibiotics and I had them taken out a bit later on. Hope you get it sorted.

Having previously had sepsis is a red flag: please go to A&E

Have you bumped your face at all recently? Not necessarily a hard bump but to one side or the other of your face? When you look in the mirror do your teeth align as normal top and bottom or does one side look skewed to one side? If there is any misalignment then that might be the cause of the jaw locking. A dentist should be able to put it back in place. It is fairly urgent to get it done asap.

No bumps to the face but top teth lookslightly to the left. I have been really stressed so jaw may have been held tightly

How does a dentistb put things back?

@silvershark22
People are advising you to get medical attention.

Don't worry about the jaw correction just yet, the priority is your overall physical wellbeing.

Give your GP a call when they open.

Am feeling a lot better now and ate some yogurt and pouridge.

My plan is to call my dentist when they open. My GP doesnt have any online triaj slots left if i get a temperature, fast heartrate, feel weak and shivery will go to A&E. 111 said fine to contact dentist today.

This. I've had this a couple of times. Infection in the jaw muscles from wisdom tooth growing out and causing a wound. They'll give you painkillers and antibiotics

Thanks havent managed to get seen by a dentist. Hopefully will continue to improve.

I had a call with the 111 dental service as pain was getting worse and cant get hold of my dentist. Advice is painkillers and salt water rinses. Flagged the temperature and they said unlikely to be significant if below 40.