TMJD flare up! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

supermom3 · 04-28-2008, 04:15 PM

Hi all!

I knew a few years ago I had TMJD because my dentist said it was evident that I was grinding my teeth at night, so I got fitted for a mouth guard. (needless to say, I have been lazy in the past about wearing it!) My kids also hear the clicking sound when I'm eating!

I've never had any "issues" with it except occasionally waking up in the morning with achiness in the jaw area when I haven't worn it.

Last Thursday, though, I woke up (hadn't been wearing the guard for who knows how long!) in the morning at noticed pain in the left side of my jaw when clenching my teeth together, but it went away within a couple of hours, and that night I decided I'd better start wearing the guard again. Friday and Saturday morning, same scenario . . . yesterday, however, the pain continued throughout the day whenever I clenched or ate!!! Same this morning, so I called the dentist and can't get seen until tomorrow morning - I don't know what I've done to cause such pain on the left side out of the blue, but it's terrible! Other than take Advil and apply moist heat, are there any other effective tips to get through the pain?

thanks!

supermom3

KLPEACH · 04-28-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supermom3

Hi all!

I knew a few years ago I had TMJD because my dentist said it was evident that I was grinding my teeth at night, so I got fitted for a mouth guard. (needless to say, I have been lazy in the past about wearing it!) My kids also hear the clicking sound when I'm eating!

I've never had any "issues" with it except occasionally waking up in the morning with achiness in the jaw area when I haven't worn it.

Last Thursday, though, I woke up (hadn't been wearing the guard for who knows how long!) in the morning at noticed pain in the left side of my jaw when clenching my teeth together, but it went away within a couple of hours, and that night I decided I'd better start wearing the guard again. Friday and Saturday morning, same scenario . . . yesterday, however, the pain continued throughout the day whenever I clenched or ate!!! Same this morning, so I called the dentist and can't get seen until tomorrow morning - I don't know what I've done to cause such pain on the left side out of the blue, but it's terrible! Other than take Advil and apply moist heat, are there any other effective tips to get through the pain?

thanks!

supermom3

KLPEACH · 04-28-2008, 07:15 PM

Hello there,
Try to make sure the dentist has an mri taken or film to see what is going on in your joint. You might have a slipped disc. If you are clicking or popping your disc is slipping. Good luck to you and always get another opinion most doctors say they specialize in tmj you might want to check this site and see if there is anyone on this site that has founfd a good doctor in your area. Also if there is a University they should have a dental department and doctors who specialize in TMJ.

I ended up with a prostodontist who specializes in tmj, they do cosmetic dentistry, crowns and bridge and are highly trained in dental work. If you call one in your area ask if they have a doctor that specializes in TMJ...Getting that film is sooooooo important, insist on it.

Good luck to you!!!!
Kathy
California

Thelma-Louise · 04-28-2008, 07:18 PM

You could try putting some guaze between your teeth and cheeks - that sometimes forces the facial muscles to assume a different position which might help but if it seems to make things feel worse then remove it - for some if the muscles are completely in distress adding anything to the area will only intensify things. You could also try gently massaging the area underlying your outer jaw and inside on the lower bottom near the back teeth and throat area with one finger as well as doing some tongue exercises by taking the tip of your tongue and raising it to the roof of your mouth toward the center and repeating the word or number "nine" several times without letting your tongue come down - it helps stretch the muscles in the lower jaw.