Improve TMJ?!
Question:
Improve TMJ?
Today I found out at my dentist that I have TMJ. And though, I will be going to the Orthodontist sometime, I just wanted to know if there are any ways to generally improve it before I can get in there. I chew a lot of gum, and I know that isn't helping, so I've decided to stop, and I don't chew ice.. are there any other things I could do to help?
Answers:
I have TMJ and actually I found out because my jaw locked shut.... I am wearing my mouth splint as I type. In my situation the disc in my jaw slipped and got stuck which locked my jaw from opening or sliding to the side... My disc will not ever snap back (the disc snapping back is that clicking noise you hear about).
If your jaw isnt locked then you should avoid opeing your mouth really wide. If it is locked (like mine was) then you should stretch it as often as you can in an effort to just push that disc completly out of the way (And now Im trying to build scar tissue to protect the bone since I have no disc there).
Avoid tough meats, chewy candy like GUM, licorice, & Taffy. No chewy breads like bagels unless it is toasted.
Try to sit with your jaw in a relaxed position (Which basically what the mouth splint does).... A good way to do this without the splint would be to have your jaw slightly open (like a 1/4 inch) and rest your tounge along the back of your upper teeth.
Let me just warn you --- You will probably have to fight with your medical inscurance inorder to get your splint covered by inscurance --- Mine denied it several times and I had to fight and finally won because I seached the inscurance comp website and found where it states my condition (Loss of function) is covered.
If you dont get it covered be prepared to pay a lot - It's not cheap for that lil' piece of plastic. Mine was $1800 plus I had to have extensive (expensive) xrays....Mine were in full 3D on a computer screen so my TMJ Specialist could look at my jaw from all angles.... Of course I guess it depends on your condition --- If it;s just grinding/clenching then I doubt your treatments will be as extensive.