Need help...TMJ problems

W

wkoutmom

Cathlete
I was just curious if anyone here has TMJ? I started getting really a bad pain this week and now it really hurts to open my mouth. I went to the chiropractor today on someones suggestion, while it felt like there was a little relief while I was there, the pain, swelling and tightness is back.

I am going to make an appointment with the dentist now, but in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions to help with the pain? I tried advil and that doesn't help. ANY suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

Lea
 
Hi Lea -

When you're at the dentist, see if they make splints - they're like a clear retainer you wear on the bottom set of teeth. I LOVE mine - it keeps my jaw in allignment and I never have any pain now. What they do is make a mold of your teeth out of some cool acrylic-like material ... then they have you come in a few times in the morning to make adjustments until it fits perfectly (they have you bite down on some waxed paper that leaves marks on the splint - like carbon paper - this shows areas that are rubbing, etc.). They are pricey, but if your insurance helps out it won't be too bad.

Without this thing I wouldn't have any teeth left! (lol) I was actually cracking them in my sleep the TMJ was getting so bad.

I wish you the best of luck ... this has been the only thing that's worked for me :)

arancini
 
Hey, Lea,

I went to a specialist when I started having some TMJ-related problems. It was a while back, but here's the advice that I still remember :

1. When your mouth is at "rest" you want the tip of your tongue to be slightly touching the roof of your mouth, and you don't want to close your teeth down all the way.

2. No gum.

3. No hard/crunchy foods.

4. When you are chewing your food, make sure you use both sides of your mouth.


Hope you feel better! I know how awful that feels! But if you nip it in the bud, it'll be past tense like mine (I haven't had problems since way back when).
 
Hi Lea,

Yeah, I have TMJ. Had it ever since I can remember. It's not bad so bad that I feel the need to take pain meds, so I essentially just live with it. I find that my jaw gets tired quickly when I eat things like popcorn or hard, raw vegetables. And when I go to sleep at night, my jaw clenches up really tight, which can't be good. One of these days I should probably do something about it. I have no advice or suggestions for you; just wanted to commiserate. Good luck with finding some relief!

Sandra
 
Hi, Sandra,

That specialist told me that one possible cause of TMJ is caused by clenching the jaw or grinding ones teeth during sleep. But I'm guessing you probably know that since you've had the problem for so long! Just in case you don't know, though, that can be remedied with a mouth piece worn at night.

One that I never used because it looked so dang uncomfortable ;) . Hehe, but I thought I'd mention it anyway...
 
Hi, Sandra,

That specialist told me that one possible cause of TMJ is caused by clenching the jaw or grinding ones teeth during sleep. But I'm guessing you probably know that since you've had the problem for so long! Just in case you don't know, though, that can be remedied with a mouth piece worn at night.

One that I never used because it looked so dang uncomfortable ;) . Hehe, but I thought I'd mention it anyway...
 
Fellow TMJers,

The new ones (like my splint) are kind of like the clear braces that are around now. It's small and just covers my teeth (and it's only for nighttime). You wouldn't even know somebody was wearing it unless you were to kiss them - or asked them to sing a song, maybe (that last one will never happen to me - I come from a long line of frogs). I clench and grind my teeth at night, too - and I really can't say enough about my splint (obviously ;). These new ones are worth a try if this is an issue for your jaw and sanity.

Take care,
arancini
 
Fellow TMJers,

The new ones (like my splint) are kind of like the clear braces that are around now. It's small and just covers my teeth (and it's only for nighttime). You wouldn't even know somebody was wearing it unless you were to kiss them - or asked them to sing a song, maybe (that last one will never happen to me - I come from a long line of frogs). I clench and grind my teeth at night, too - and I really can't say enough about my splint (obviously ;). These new ones are worth a try if this is an issue for your jaw and sanity.

Take care,
arancini
 
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