Rut On Inside Corner Of Mouth - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

JoshGabri · 11-26-2007, 11:19 PM

For the last few years i've had something of a jaw spasm from time to time, but the last few weeks it has gotten a little worse, to the point when i move my jaw due to spasm, it is creating a rut on the inside corner of my mouth, where it seems like the jaw connects the top of my mouth to the bottom of my mouth. I have what I suppose would be called a decently big overbite (not very visable in general, but i can feel it inside my mouth when my mouth is in normal closed position.)

It gets the worst at night, after a long day of work, or doing ANYTHING basically. It feels the best in the morning after I've had a night to relax it. I've been doing my best to keep it relaxed as much as possible throughout the day, but alas, it rarely works out that well.

I looked in my mouth in the mirror, and it definetely looks the same way it feels... like a little crease/rut/fold... which I can only guess is from teh clicking of the jaw, maybe a tooth somehow digging into it.

I'll see what the dentist has to say about this... but until then I was just wondering if any of the other TMJ sufferers on here (not saying that's definetely what i have, but it sure sounds that way) have ever experienced the same problem. It's a really crappy thing, and quite painful at it's worst.

I am glad to have the next two days off of work, in hopes to relax for two straight days... though I know that's only a temporarily, mild fix.

ANY HELP?

Thelma-Louise · 11-27-2007, 05:09 PM

Not sure I fully understand what you are describing but it sounds like you jaws/teeth are not fully lining up allowing an overbite of some upper teeth in the back to rest on the gum and/or mouth tissue below it - instead of the teeth - creating a rut or indentation. If true - then its possible you are sleeping with your mouth open at night and this allows the area to recouperate a bit. You definitely need to see your dentist or tmj specialist but in the meantime you may want to try putting some gauze on the side bothering you and seeing if that helps during the day. Just tuck it in between the cheeks and teeth - bottom or top - which ever feels better. It might help keep your jaws and teeth better aligned during the day. But don't use too much that you end up looking like a chipmuck - you don't want to aggravate your muscles any further by making them overwork.