Really bad jaw ache?!
Question: Hi, for about 2 years I have had bad jaw ache which comes on and off. It seems to be the joint where the upper and lower jaw meet on my left side.
I saw the Dentist last year and he said it was because I did not have braces as a child and there was nothing he could do about it.
Well for about 2 months I have had it continuously - I cant even open my mouth wide and it really hurts if I talk.
Is there anyone who knows what I could do or if the Dentist is right and I just have to live with it?
Thanks.
Answers: Hi, for about 2 years I have had bad jaw ache which comes on and off. It seems to be the joint where the upper and lower jaw meet on my left side.
I saw the Dentist last year and he said it was because I did not have braces as a child and there was nothing he could do about it.
Well for about 2 months I have had it continuously - I cant even open my mouth wide and it really hurts if I talk.
Is there anyone who knows what I could do or if the Dentist is right and I just have to live with it?
Thanks.
Grinding your teeth at night is called bruxism. You can do also grind your teeth or clench when your stressed or extremely focused. A dentist or an orthodontist will fabricate a night guard to keep you from grinding your teeth. It's like a mouth guard football players wear, but don't buy one over the counter. Your doctor will make one specifically to fit your mouth.
Another option is to see an oral surgeon for your teeth grinding. He will recommend facial stretching exercises and may refer you for formal physical therapy.
I'd see another dentist.
Look up TMJ disorder. TMJ is the temperomandipula joint aka jaw joint. I have the exact same problem. I can open my mouth a little bit, but if I force it a bit farther it will make a snapping sound, then open up farther. it hurts to chew.
i really dont know.i broke my jaw before in motorcycle accident.had 2 wear wire 4 awhile.for along time after wire came off i had the same problem.i would chew on chewing gum to exercise jaw.it helped me a lilltle you may want to try that.dont believe its cuz you didnt wear bracesunless your teeth are messed up
Sounds like you need to see an oral surgeon who specialises in TMJ issues. They can address the joint issues, sometimes through therapy (anti-inflammatory, mouth guards etc.) other times through surgery. good luck