madnmas
05-08-2009, 10:56 PM
I have read through so many threads on this forum...as TMJ sufferers (in the beginning atleast) we are all looking for the most information we can possibly get our eyes on to better educate ourselves and somehow get relief from pain.
I, for one, have decided to quit taking OTC pain meds such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. TMJ can last for years and although I have been dealing with it for only one year, I do not want to find myself 10 years down the road with a bad liver from too much Tylenol...lol. It's just not good to take that stuff every day for years and years. I would rather just live with a headache. :(
Anyway, back to the point of this thread, one day I happened to be reading how someone suggested letting your jaw "hang"...as in the "duh" position (lol)..very relaxed and a little open. I have only been doing it for 1 1/2 days but it has helped with my headaches so much it is unbelievable. I think it will take a while to make this a habit...at least until my jaw gets back to normal (because from my experience, TMJ issues come and go depending on how I handle my jaw). Anyway, if you have not tried this, I dare you to and let me know how it works for you. For some reason once I was diagnosed with TMJ I somehow would clench even more (?) Weird. Maybe it's just that I realized I was doing it once I became aware.
Lastly, I purchased an OTC mouth guard and even if it was a $500 fitted mouth guard from my dentist, I don't think I believe in them. If you are going to clench anyway, all it basically does is protect your teeth. When I wear a guard I clench the mouth guard STILL putting pressure on my teeth. For me it is pointless. If it helps you, so be it. Whether I clench my teeth or a night guard the result is the same...constant headaches when I awake.
Oh yeah, has anyone ever looked inside their cheeks at their gums? On both sides of my gums I have what looks like a "line" (that I can feel, too) running parallel with my teeth. I wonder what that has to do with?
I, for one, have decided to quit taking OTC pain meds such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. TMJ can last for years and although I have been dealing with it for only one year, I do not want to find myself 10 years down the road with a bad liver from too much Tylenol...lol. It's just not good to take that stuff every day for years and years. I would rather just live with a headache. :(
Anyway, back to the point of this thread, one day I happened to be reading how someone suggested letting your jaw "hang"...as in the "duh" position (lol)..very relaxed and a little open. I have only been doing it for 1 1/2 days but it has helped with my headaches so much it is unbelievable. I think it will take a while to make this a habit...at least until my jaw gets back to normal (because from my experience, TMJ issues come and go depending on how I handle my jaw). Anyway, if you have not tried this, I dare you to and let me know how it works for you. For some reason once I was diagnosed with TMJ I somehow would clench even more (?) Weird. Maybe it's just that I realized I was doing it once I became aware.
Lastly, I purchased an OTC mouth guard and even if it was a $500 fitted mouth guard from my dentist, I don't think I believe in them. If you are going to clench anyway, all it basically does is protect your teeth. When I wear a guard I clench the mouth guard STILL putting pressure on my teeth. For me it is pointless. If it helps you, so be it. Whether I clench my teeth or a night guard the result is the same...constant headaches when I awake.
Oh yeah, has anyone ever looked inside their cheeks at their gums? On both sides of my gums I have what looks like a "line" (that I can feel, too) running parallel with my teeth. I wonder what that has to do with?
Sponsor
Thelma-Louise
05-08-2009, 11:42 PM
I believe that line or what some call an indentation along the gum is from clenching. Over a prolonged period of time clenching can induce gum recession and bone loss as well.
I'm not sure why many people think a mouth guard will stop clenching or grinding - they are only designed to protect the teeth from the affects of both - it could be the marketing of the OTC guards is misleading. A good custom orthotic though would probably work better as it should be designed to equalize the individual's bite which in turn helps the muscles remain in a relaxed state reducing if not eliminating their need to tighten up. Usually once the jaw finds a comfortable position the the tendency for clenching or grinding wil stop. But even custom orthotics don't always help.
I'm not sure why many people think a mouth guard will stop clenching or grinding - they are only designed to protect the teeth from the affects of both - it could be the marketing of the OTC guards is misleading. A good custom orthotic though would probably work better as it should be designed to equalize the individual's bite which in turn helps the muscles remain in a relaxed state reducing if not eliminating their need to tighten up. Usually once the jaw finds a comfortable position the the tendency for clenching or grinding wil stop. But even custom orthotics don't always help.