TMJ, anyone have this???

[firemedic]

I just starting getting this on Sat. evening. I've never had this before and was wondering if anyone has had this and what did you do for relief? How long does it usually last? I've been reading about home remedies to try, but other than advil, relaxing, and heat, I'm not sure what else is out there. It's hard to relax when your jaw hurts and you cannot eat hardly anything. I hate getting derailed right when things always seem to be getting better. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

Kim

 

[tslop49]

I just starting getting this on Sat. evening. I've never had this before and was wondering if anyone has had this and what did you do for relief? How long does it usually last? I've been reading about home remedies to try, but other than advil, relaxing, and heat, I'm not sure what else is out there. It's hard to relax when your jaw hurts and you cannot eat hardly anything. I hate getting derailed right when things always seem to be getting better. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks

Kim

Hi Kim. I'm a dentist and tmj issues stink!! It is usually stress related and usually involves clinching or grinding at night, not allowing the muscles that open and close the lower jaw to rest. Stores sell a variety of night guards that can offer relief. One is The Doctors Night Guard and there are others. This usually allows the muscles to rest and will help painwise. Muscle relaxants can be prescribed. Be a little cautious in finding treatment as often things are sold and not called for in our profession. Some may want to do full mouth crown and bridge, but this is seldom indicated. Most all legitimate treatment begins with some kind of bite guard. Good luck..hope it improves soon! Often is self limiting when stress subsides!!

 

[cher54]

Hi Kim, I have had TMJ as long as I can remember. It has caused my gums to recede and bone overgrowth in the bottom of my mouth. Also a couple of chipped molars. I tried store bought mouth guards but found they didn't fit correctly so I had one made by my dentist. I believe it priced at $175.00 but it has been worth it's weight in gold! Now I can't sleep without it! Hope this helps a little....TMJ can be a serious problem!

 

[firemedic]

Thank you both for responding. I know I don't grind my teeth at night because I'm a mouth breather, so my mouth is never closed. I never realized that stress can bring this on and that is what happened to me. I guess lots of things that have been happening with family have caught up to me. I tend to hold things in. So the last few days have made me realize that when I'm really stressed, I clench my jaw tight, still don't grind my teeth, but I'm def. stressing out my jaw muscles. I'm feeling better today and trying extremely hard to relax my face as much as possible. Do mouth guards prevent mouth breathing at night? I hope this never happens again. Thanks again for your responses.

 

[tslop49]

Thank you both for responding. I know I don't grind my teeth at night because I'm a mouth breather, so my mouth is never closed. I never realized that stress can bring this on and that is what happened to me. I guess lots of things that have been happening with family have caught up to me. I tend to hold things in. So the last few days have made me realize that when I'm really stressed, I clench my jaw tight, still don't grind my teeth, but I'm def. stressing out my jaw muscles. I'm feeling better today and trying extremely hard to relax my face as much as possible. Do mouth guards prevent mouth breathing at night? I hope this never happens again. Thanks again for your responses.

They shouldn't...you may do it daytime? They open the bite, even if you clench for a more restful position. As was said, you may need a dentist fabricated one, but if only sporadic issue, may self resolve

 

[melagras]

I suffered from TMJ when I was going through peri-menopause ten years ago. Have you tried drinking herb teas? I use catnip and Sleepytime Extra about an hour before I go to bed.

I also use an Alpha-Stim AID to keep me calm. You'll have to get a doctor to order it for you. Your insurance should cover the cost.

 

[firemedic]

I went to my local health food store and got some "calming tea" and some other supplement/herb for relaxing. I started it 2 days ago and yesterday evening is when I noticed it was relaxing more. I like more natural/herbal things to try cause then I'm not getting addicted to anything. I hate meds, I'm already on enough. The only time I still notice any tightness in my jaw is when I try to eat, but even that is getting better. So thanks again everyone for your responses and kind words.

 

[Justinef]

My dad had this and was given a series of jaw exercises to do. He thought they really worked, and was over it in a matter of weeks.

 

[~Elsie]

The only thing that really helped me was acupuncture and not eating any 'heaty' food after 7. i.e. spices, coffee, chocolate, fried food, sweets etc. I've had tight face and neck muscles since I was a child (mostly due to generalized anxiety) and grinding for so many years definitely adds to it and takes it toll creating TMJ.
The micro thin needles in those tight, tight muscles felt pretty amazing the first couple of times!
These mouth guards actually created more tension for me, but yeah, I've also seen them work for other people. I guess it depends on what's at the root(s) of your pain/repetitive tension. If it's solely stress related I think rubbing some essential oils like lemon balm and chamomile (diluted of course) at the base of the skull might really help. I've also known folks who have entirely solved the issue with just having silver fillings removed.
Feel better soon!

 

[lorajeanne]

Hi - I've had this for a LONG time!! I get SEVERE jaw spasms that run all the way from my mandibular joint down the length of my jaw and under my chin. I do self massage where I even reach in and grab the inside to release the spasm in the side by the joint - like I had done when I went for massotherapy a couple times. I wore a TMJ Bite Splint fitted by my regular dentist, not a specialist and it kept shifting and was uncomfortable and sometimes caused more pain than good, so I gave up on it. I now just "rough it" and do the massage and do Kundalini Yoga almost every day which helps tremendously. I know if I go a couple days without my Kundalini, my jaw will start to get very spasmed and tight. The relaxation and exercises in Kundalini yoga really help. Best of luck to you finding ways to deal with it. Oh, also you can roll it out on the foam roller.

 

[Reese777]

Hi,

I've never formally been diagnosed, but I suffer from it. It is the pits for sure! I had my dentist make a special night guard for me to wear. It fits only on the two front teeth on the top jaw. The purpose is to make sure your back teeth never meet because that's how you grind/cause pain to the jaw joint. I also find I cannot chew gum or any other chewy stuff say like hard candy, licorice, or tough meats - things that cause strain to the jaw muscles. I was also advised not to use a straw to drink with too, as it causes the muscles in the jaw to shift.

Before getting this mouth guard, I'd end up with migraines. It can get so severe that the bone plates in your skull can be affected. Not fun. (My older sister had it MUCH worse; she went to an oral surgeon and he told her that her face was "sprained"!!!!)

I hope you get some relief.

Reese