TMJ and Tongue position - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

susu2007 · 12-12-2007, 02:40 AM

My dentist told me that I should keep my teeth slightly apart and my lips touching each other at all times. I was wondering whether this helps relieve TMJ symptoms. What about the tongue? I have noticed that mine is usually touching the palate. Should I try to keep it down? Does it make any difference?

Thanks...

Thelma-Louise · 12-12-2007, 06:36 PM

My tmj dentist told me the tongue should go towards the palate behind the front teeth. I know that when I get involved in doing something my teeth are not touching and my mouth is kind of hanging open a bit and this is when I tend to have the least amount of pain so it can help if the problem is that your teeth are not giving your joints sufficient support so they are not strained. Ikind of feel my tongue stays up too much - sometimes I think that is why I feel like I am choking or gagging - it funny I never it gave it much thought until I developed tmj.

Chicky717 · 12-18-2007, 05:15 PM

Susu, I have been told by my dentist that the tongue IS supposed to be up towards the palate, so yours is where it should be from the sounds of it! And yes, it definitely does make a difference; apparently proper tongue placement is one of the keys with TMJ.