Re: Tmj ?

Hi C., my name is C....yes I have had it. It will go away. Do not chew gum..that is what made mine worse. I massaged my jaws and temples a lot and slept on my back. Also, try doing exersizes in front of the mirror. I would take my jaw and move it to the right or left. I think it helped align it back on track. Also laid on a heating pad..good luck with it :>

Ok... are you me??? I have the SAME problem that just popped up last week! I did notice, however, when I was driving home the other day, that while my mouth was closed, i was really holding it tight. I have been trying to think about that. I think its stress causing me to do that. Good luck! I hope you get some good answers, becasue I could use them too :)

I have it too. I got it when I was pregnant. When it got to the point where I could not eat I went to the dentist. He gave me some steroids which cleared it right up. Now it comes and goes. The dentist says that Advil is about all you can do if you don't want to go to a mouth guard. Mine's flaring up right now and is so painful but I keep taking Advil and it seems to help!

Hi C. -

I just had something made a couple weeks ago that fits on my bottom teeth that I wear at night and during the day when needed to help correct my bite. Within the first day it was amazing how much it helped. I can finally open my mouth all the way without hurting. I don't grind my teeth - my problem is my jaw not lining up correctly. When I open my mouth, my jaw also shifts out of place like someone else wrote. There are exercises you can do. Talk to your dentist. If you don't have one or want my dentist's name - let me know. My dentist told me there are a few TMJ specialists out there but often do way too much that is not necessary. He is doing all he can to keep me from having to go to a specialist - and I think what he's done is perfect.
Good luck!

I've had TMJ for years and finally sought the care of a Dr. Holt in Bedford - not far from The Colony. He is reported as one of the best in North Central Texas. Your regular dentist can fit you with a splint as well - but there are different kinds and some can aggravate the jaw pain more so you need to make sure the fit is right for you. I now wear a splint at night to hold my jaw at the right position as to not continue aggravating my jaw muscles and to protect my teeth from the wear of grinding at night. He can also prescribe a topical compounded cream to relax the muscles and for pain. You can take OTC pain meds -like Ibuprophen - even up to 4 I was told - but I wouldn't continue that high of dose for too long since it is hard on your insides. I also take a low dose medicine at night to help lessen the grinding. TMJ is really brought on by bite, stress, and jaw formation. If this has only started bothering you now - you may need to look into how to lessen your stress levels. A HOt wet compress or ice on your jaw can help with the pain - try letting a hot shower run on your face each morning to help relax those muscles. And always remember LIPS TOGETHER - TEETH APART!! make it your mantra - you need to notice if you are clenching or grinding throughout the day and stop the habit.

HI C.! I've had TMJ for many years now. I thought I had an ear infection and finally went to the DR. Anyway, I do not grind my teeth, I clench my mouth too tight. It only happens when I am more stressed out or thinking about stuff too much. I even do it when I'm awake. When I catch myself I relax and move my mouth/jaw around, that helps prevent it. But when it hurts, I use Tylenol or Motrin and concentrate on not doing it.

Since your upper jaw is the area hurting it may not be TMJ. I would go to the dentist ASAP and get checked out, you may have a more serious condition.

Good luck and God bless!

Many people clench their jaws without realizing it most especially in their sleep. Be conscious of your jaw during the day and notice if you are clenching. One thing to do is to "keep your lips together and teeth apart". If you find you do clench, get a mouth piece football players use, run under hot water and then mold to you own mouth. Wear while you sleep. If it gets very bad. See your dentist.

D.

both ice and heat are fine as long as you don't overdo the heat. stick your tongue on the roof of your mouth and gently open and shut only as far as you can keeping the tongue on the roof of your mouth--this helps keep increase blood flow to the joint without stressing it. you may also need to work on staying relaxed so the stress doesn't cause increased jaw tension. hang in there!

I had the same feelings.. of gum soreness and jaw soreness for about 6 months, I got a referral from my Orthodontist to talk to an Oral surgeon - he got a CAT Scan and MRI done and there was a mass in my TMJ area.

It's up to you but, I would recommend talking to a doctor.

J.

As a massage therapist for 20+ years and a dance/movement educator, I have found that some of my clients are grinding their teeth at night or holding tension in their jaw during the day. Unexpressed emotions sometimes are the culprit. Massaging the jaw and gently pulling the ears releases the tension. Also massaging the neck and slow, micromovements of the head and neck help. Gentle rocking on the head has adied some. You may want to check with your dentist to see if teeth grinding is going on.

About 6 or 8 months after I had my second child I started having some major headaches, neck pain and noticed that my jaw was sore and at times I could barely open my mouth to eat. Also had some swelling and tenderness and started taking Tylenol at least 4 times a day for quite a few months. Some days I could hardly talk it hurt so bad. Finally the people at work convinced me to go and see an ENT specialist. It took him all of 30 seconds to diagnose and he prescribed a mouth guard which I had done at my dentist's office. I did not realize that I was grinding my teeth at night until he told me it was apparent. He said it was caused by stress and when he heard I had a little one he said that was probably part of the problem. The first night I used the mouth guard I could not believe what a difference it made. He also told me to stay away from chewing gum, popcorn, ice, etc. That also has made a big difference. At first he gave me an anti-inflammatory but by following all his recommendations I have it under control. Every now and then I slip and eat popcorn a few times and then I am reminded that is not a good idea. My husband had similar problems not too long ago and I bought him a mouth guard at Walgreens and he used that until the discomfort went away.
Just a few things to pass along and maybe it will help.
Good luck.

i actaully just got relief from tmj this week. i had never had it before and even wondered if i needed to go to the dentist. i read up on it on www.wedmd.com which is where i also originally put in my symptoms to discover it. the article i read said a likely cause of it is also stress. many people unknowingly clinch their jaw, many times in their sleep. i never realized i did until i read up on it and started catching myself tightening and clinching my jaw periodically throughout the day. Seeing that we have recently relocated, and started our own business, stress has definitely been a factor. Rest... that was the number one thing the article recommended. Biting, clinching, eating, talking, (all of it). Take it easy. I did this for 2 days and took ibuprofen. No fun in the process, but there is hope on the horizon. i woke yesterday with minimal pain, just a little achy. this morning... back to normal.

I see you have quite a few responses. I hope they have helped. I've had TMJ for years and am currently seeing a dentist for the problem. I do not grind or click, but I clench when I'm stressed. I do it at night also. I've started using a pillow in order to become a side sleeper instead of on my tummy. This puts less pressure on my jaw and improves alignment. I recently got mouth guards to wear at night and during the day. However, daytime use isn't usually recommended. To deal with the pain my dentist, who specializes in this, says to first take OTC pain med, then apply moist heat to the area. I was taking pain meds and it wasn't helping. She said that my muscles in my jaw get so tight that they constrict blood flow. Therefore, the medicine couldn't get to the problem area. The moist heat helps relieve the tension and lets the pain meds get to the right spots. You can also try aspercream (sp?) topically. It helps somewhat. Good luck.

My Mom has TMJ... She wears a mouth guard at night and that has made a world of difference. You very well may grind your teeth when you sleep, but you do not know it.

good luck,

J.

I have suffered from tmj since I was a very small child. My mother and aunt also have had trouble with it. My mom use to have to go to the ER all the time to have her jaw closed because it would lock up. We have all had surgery where they realigned our jaw and it has made a world of difference for us. I also use to go to my dentist and he had a machine that he would hook me up to that helped to relax my jaws. He suggested the sports store bite block and that helped too. Most over the counter pain meds don't really help because it is tense muscles but you could try. Best luck. (my dentist referred me to a local oral surgeon to do the surgery.)

TMJ is a stress related problem/issue. Trust your intuition. Listen to something that's been nagging you in the back of your mind, what are your creativite outlets? Are you a writer or singer or painter that has long since put down the tools of creativity? There is something from your heart that wants to come out and it's being stopped at the throat. That you are homeschooling is so wonderful and amazing. Let your children be your guide to what you really want to say and might not be saying. I say all this because I have TMJ too. The most helpful tool, besides my writing, was the TMJ massage I had. Yes the massage therapist wore gloves and it was a very painful experience but it showed me where I was holding tension in my jaw and helped me release it. Also, moving your pelvis helps open your jaw. Dancing and Nia work too, to relieve stress and release the vice grip of your jaw. Good luck finding relief. J. B

Did you ever have braces? Do you suffer a lot of stress? Do you sleep well?

TMJ can be caused by many things. If you wore braces in the past, it could have altered your bite enough that it can cause TMJ later in life (it did so for me).

If you have lots of stress in your life or don't sleep well, it could be possible that you "grit" your teeth at night-this is very common in women!!!!! Talk to your dentist about this possibility-they will know the signes to look for in your mouth and this "gritting" can also cause TMJ!

As for instant treatment, use Ibuprofen for the pain and swelling!
Since you said it is still swollen, don't use heat as heat can increase swelling, but you can use heat when the swelling goes away! Ice is a better treatment for the swelling but may irritate the nerves and not make it feel any better immediately, though will help with swelling and thus help with pain later on!

Also, basicly it is a joint issue, so icy-hot can be used on the jaw and neck if you want to risk putting it on your face (don't know your skin-type, so may want to think about it first, but it is approved for skin use!) or even massage-any reg. therapist can work on your jaw-I know it sounds wierd, but it worked for me!!!

Usually TMJ is caused by something-talk to your dentist-you may have an alignment prob, "gritting", or joint damage/malformation from something. An exam and possibly x-rays can find the source and help treat it!

Mine stems from a malformed jaw (no cartlege (sp) on one side and worn joint) and "gritting". They treat the "gritting" and leave the rest alone unless/until I want surgery!

Good luck!

I have had TMJ for more years than I want to remember :( I also do not grind my teeth and my jaw doesn't click, but it does roll out of the joint slightly when I open my mouth really wide. One very common symptom of TMJ is a slight to loud ringing in the ear on the side of the TMJ. I had braces put on when I was 35 to correct a faulty bite on the side of the TMJ and that did help a lot. You need to take an antiflammatory (e.g. Advil, Alleve, etc.) I don't know where you are, but there is a wonderful doctor in Flower Mound you might want to see. His name is Dr. Terry Angevine and his office is on Cross Timbers.

Whenever I have a problem with my mouth, I get working hard on my dental health.

I dealt with the off and on for years and then went to a orthodontist in Ft. Worth named Dr Cook - I do not know if he is in practice anymore but he put wire retainers on me that separated my teeth abit so my bite was more relaxed - the wires wrapped under my back molars so that I wouldn't directed bite down hard on my teeth and I've never had it since - i wore them for about 6 months. It would probably be important to ask your dentist if he has a referral. It was 10 years ago and at that time it cost me $900.00.

Hi C.,
Yes, I know a lot about it--a patient for many years and also a medical journalist and editor of a health magazine. The trick is not to be "taken in" by expensive treatments. A good dentist can assess the problem without talking you into big treatments that insurance doesn't cover. I'll list a few trustworthy folk at end of email.
For now: ftreat the jaw (both sides) with ice for 10 minutes--until you can't stand it--to bring down swelling. It's probably worse int he morning because you may be grinding or clenching your teeth and your occlusion may not be meeting up. In other words, your bite might be off slightly. Or you might have traumatized it by eating ribs or something that required you to pull on the food.

Then, follow with wet heat--not dry, never dry. That only increases swelling. Wet heat like a hot, damp rag or stand under the shower and let the water blast you. Then, if you can, follow up with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as advil or alieve. Try to get into the practice of keeping your upper and lower teeth slightly separated--just a tiny bit.

THe TM joint is key to the alignment of just about everything involving the spine. TM joint issues can cause headaches (that are nowhere near the jaw joint.) Also vertigo, pain in the masseter--the big facial muscle, neck pain, all the way down. Then again, there may be other issues that need to be examined, that mimic jaw pain.

IF you are in the Houston area, I recommend Dr. Alan Stanton ###-###-####)for a preliminary check. Most any dentist will advise you to get a night guard fitted to keep your teeth aligned. So, expect it. The TMJ guru is Dr. Ron Auvenshine. He is expensive but he will resolve it.
I wish you all the luck. Meanwhile, stay on softer foods and avoid using your back molars for serious chewing.
Take care,
K.

Hi C., I have TMJ, I spent a lot of money trying to fix it. There are two things you can do, one is to stretch your jaw, First open your mouth as wide as you can with out popping it, if it pops don't worry, point your tongue to the back of your mouth and then open and close your mouth while you hold your tongue in place, I know it sounds funny, but it really helps, Second, go to the store and buy you one of those sports month piece, you know the one the football players use in their mouths, make sure you boil water good, put the piece in the water and let it get hot, then put it in your mouth and press down so on it gently so as to form this to your teeth, ware it at night while sleeping and if you hurt during the day put it in. I was told no surgery would help my TMJ, so this is what I have done for years. I hope this helps. But just to make sure it's nothing more the TMJ, go to the Dr.

I've had TMJ for 20+ years. For immediate relief, I recommend children's liquid motrin - the liquid is better than pills as it gets to the soreness sooner. Longer term, you need to find a dentist to analyze your bite. I had braces put on about 15 years ago and that helped to stabilize my bite, but any new dental work can change your bite. I also grind my teeth at nite (your dentist should be able to look at the wear on your teeth to see if that is happening), so I now wear a bite guard at nite. That helps tremendously. Also, adding magnesium to your diet is also extremely helpful and will reduce the muscle pain caused by the TMJ (the source is often a muscle in the jaw that never relaxes). I also have a magnesium cream that I can put on the jaw that helps. I would not at all recommend an ice pack - that will just further tighten the muscles. Heat might be helpful. Until the pain is resolved, you'll want to eat softer foods - I find that eating alot of crunchy or chewy foods can also really aggravate the condition.

C.,

I suffered from TMJ for years, but at that point, could not afford the expensive mouthguard or even the exam (I was in my early 20's) since my insurance didn't cover anything having to do with TJM. It wasn't until some years later that my dentist discovered that I grind and clinch my teeth at night. I purchased the $600 mouth guard twice (once my dog ate it and then the second one ended up falling in the toilet & I never saw it again). After being frustrated with spending so much money on mouthguards, I went to Wal-Mart & purchased an $18.75 mouth guard. The first one I used was wonderful, but when that one began go give me a little discomfort, I tried the other brand. Wow! What a big difference! I'm not sure of the brand name, but it's the blue guard that states on the front that it is made and approved by dentists (same price). I would definitely see a doctor first, but should you improve and need just a little "maintenance" later on, you may want to try the wal-mart brand. It cleared up my TMJ completely, even though is states that it is not a cure for this purpose, that it's primarily for teeth grinders. I have never felt better!

This is what works for me. Ice packs.

The ONLY time I have trouble with it is when I start doing what the doctor told me not to.

Stop ALL gum chewing, ice chewing ect. Nothing but soft food for 3-5 days. He told me not the eat Bagel, Steak, ect.

I even went to my Ear Nose and Throat Doctor one time because I thought I had an Ear infection. He laughed at me, and of course charged me just the same.

Good Luck,

P.

Hey-I am new on this mamasource deal..TMJ-its painful-stops me from eating sometimes-best thing to do is get a bite split for the top of your mouth and wear it at night and DO NOT have surgery for it-have had 3 dentists tell me it does not work/it always comes back..stop chewing gum if you chew it and find a good dentist..keep stress level down as much as possible and try not to grind your teeth at night..you can not wear the bite splint if you are having asthma.

Hello,

I am a Registered Dental Hygienist who also suffers from TMJ. What we tell our patients is soft diet, moist heat and ibuprophen (Motrin or Advil)-generic is fine. This time of year pain, especially in the upper arch, is sometimes due to sinus congestion and pressure. Try a decongestant even if you are still able to breathe through your nose. Sometimes the sinuses are still very congested without it affecting your nose. The pressure can affect the roots of your upper teeth and make you miserable.

Good Luck!

G.

I thought I had TMJ when I was in college...turned out to be my wisdom teeth coming in and causing trouble. It got so bad I couldn't open my mouth (didn't have braces or any of that other stuff either). Once they were removed I was fine. Of course, I felt bad b/c I thought they were coming in ok since I had missed that window that everyone else was doing it, and it was over my last spring break in college, but...
I think lots of things can cause it.

I reccomend seeing a chiropractor. They can work wonders. Even if you don't, as far as you know, grind your teath you could have a jaw that is out of alignment, or one of your cranial vertebrae. Anyway, chiropractics has helped anytime I have TMJ like symptoms.

Hi C.,

I am inviting you to a luncheon regarding health and wellness issues that I think you will find advantageous. There will be an RN to answer questions. This will be Thurs. Jan. 24 from 11:30 to 1 at the Wah Kee Rest. @ 1604 & Blanco in San Antonio, behind the Luby's. This is an open invitation to anyone that is interested in learning more about how to decrease the risk of inflammation in our bodies that cause disease and pain. Hope to see you there!

Hey C. - I have had TMJ for 17 years, so I know what you are feeling! The good news is, the pain does go away. I was first diagnosed when I was 18 years old. I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to bite into a hamburger. I went to a chiropractor and helped A LOT! You won't like what they do, but it releases the jaw (put a glove on & stick their finger in your mouth & put pressure on the inside of your jaw). Of everything I do, a good adjustment seems to help the most. If you live in Austin, I have a FABULOUS chiropractor (Dr. Tracy Schwab w/Backbone Chiropractic) Moist heat helps as well (if you don't have access to a heating pad, climb into a hot shower). If I am stressed, my TMJ flames up. Sometimes we just can't eliminate the stressors of our lives. HOWEVER, getting into the gym and getting a good workout helps those muscles relax. You may not be aware of it, but you are probably grinding your teeth at night. A mouth guard is annoying, but will help protect your jaw from any grinding. When you are driving, try to be conscience of your jaw and be sure it is loose. I have done the braces thing (had them as a kid PRIOR to having TMJ). However, if you have an overbite, you might want to look into getting braces. Good luck!!

Hmm...I'm thinking you should probably go ahead and go to the dentist to make sure this is not something else. It doesn't seem like a TMJ thing the way it came on so quickly and so painfully, and then you said it's your upper jaw. It may be an abscess (sp?) or something else you need to get checked out. If it does end up being TMJ, I just wanted to say that the night mouth guards did not do a thing for me. The dentist had told me that the guard wouldn't make me stop grinding but would alleviate the pain associated with it. Well, for me...not so much. I think it even made me grind my teeth worse because there was something in my mouth to play with, but it also did nothing for the pain. I have finally gotten relief from my chiropractor/accupuncturist. Here's his info:
Dr Ken Parker
###-###-####
www.JubileeWellnessClinic.com

C.,
My mom is a Chiropractor here in Austin whom is fabulous dealing with patients who have TMJ. Give her office a call for a free consultation. I've seen her help many people. They are so grateful. Ask for me if you want, I work there too! Dr.Cynthia Vaughn
Austin Chiropractic Center ###-###-####
Also, I'm an Arbonne consultant if you ever need excellent products made from botanicals and natural ingredients. My web site is www.LauraEdwards.MyArbonne.com
Blessings,
L.
###-###-####

craniosacral therapy helps a lot with TMJ. see http://upledger.com/.

tif

C.,

I have had tmj since high school. I do grind my teeth at night but I never knew that. Is it possible that may be the case? To help with the pain, advil or aleve is good. Do not eat anything that requires your mouth to open wide or bite down hard. In a few days it should be a little better. You state that your jaw does not "click". When you open wide does it make a slight movement instead of an audible click?
Is the pain present at all times with your jaw shut or only when you open and close the jaw? If it is painful without even moving, there may be another issue at hand versus tmj. Your dentist should be able to help you - one way or the other. I do wear a bite guard at night which is a tremendous help in alleviating the "lock jaw" or pain. TMJ also manifests itself more in times of stress. Do you notice any correlation? I am rambling, but I hope that helps!

I am a dentist and expecting our first baby. I see this same type problem often. My advice would be to go see your dentist to have it looked at. It may simply be a muscular problem in the joint area, not a problem with the joint capsule itself (a good thing). If so, your dentist can perscribe a muscle relaxer if needed along with a soft diet and moist heat for a week or so to minimize how much muscular activity your jaw experiences. It will heal itself but like every other injured muscle it needs rest...hard to do with eating and speaking. In the meantime, taking 3-4 Advil every 4-6 hours will keep the inflammation down. However I do suggest you have a TMJ exam in the off chance it's something more than muscular trauma. Good luck!

TMJ is serious and you should have it looked at. My husband has had it, I've had it, and my 15 year old daughter had it a couple of weeks ago. Go see a Chiropractor. He will use a tool about the size of a screwdriver to "tap" this joint back into place. It does not hurt, and will feel a lot better. You may have to have it adjusted a couple of times, but you will feel better. My husband did it by opening his mouth too wide, I have no idea how I did it, and my daughter did it while catching a cheerleader in practice and was hit on the side of the face with a foot. The chiropractor will tell you whether heat or ice will be better, I can't remember.

lj

yes, my husband suffers from this because his jaw is not alined correctly this causes preasure on his Ustation tubes( cronic ear aches) and we also noticed that eating hard foods that require a lot of chewing agervates this as well, ( hard breads, umm raw carrots and pizza crust lol) You can go to an ear doctor and he can help with suggestions on how to reduce the problems....my hubbies at work right now but feel free to email later and I will ask him any questions you have

Have had surgery to shorten the ligaments that hold my jaw together. Stress is a major factor in the onset of episodes. I had to teach myself how to seperate my teeth when I am just resting (not talking or eating) I wasn't aware that I was clenching them alot. Don't chew gum, ice or tough steak. Get plenty of sleep. I take lots of vitamins including Salmon Oil. It helps with your circulation and heart health, but it also is a very mild relaxant on your muscles. During the worst times I couldn't chew anything and my jaw would lock open. A chiropractor can work miracles getting your back/neck/jaw aligned. Hope this helps. Your actual doctor probably won't help much.

Sounds like you need to get one of the cheapo rubber sports mouthguards and sleep in it. That is what my dentist suggested a year or so ago for me and it has helped alot with the grinding it kind of acts like a shock absorber and helps that pain to go away. hope this helps!

Chiropractic can help TMJ.

my mom had a pretty bad case of tmj, being a polio survivor, and she went to this doctor in dallas named francis murphy. he fixed her in one or two visits through a technique called active release technique. he is just east of preston rd on northwest hwy. give his office a call, ###-###-####, you'll love it

I have had tmj since i was little. I have a night guard or retainer like device I wear at night time. I have a problem with grinding my teeth when I am stressed. I don't realize I am doing it though. Any pain reliver medicine usually works along with a hot pad. If you have pain over time, I would see a doctor and ask them about the mouth piece. I have worn it for about 15 years and it still works!

Try Accupuncture!! It works miracles for TMJ. Its the only things that cured mine!
L.

My middle sister suffered with this for years after an abusive relationship---- her jaws still hurt as well as cause headaches occasionally---- hot compress and relaxation are very helpful--- hope you find relief