Help with TMJ?!
Question:
Help with TMJ?
I haven't been able to open my mouth fully for six weeks. I went to a dentist who sent me to a therapist (worthless). Can this be fixed? I really really want to yawn.... Also, I am 4 weeks pregnant so, drugs are not an option. If I wait till after the baby comes to get treatment will my mouth be permanently stuck or something?
Answers:
Here are some things you can do for your TMJ during your pregnancy:
1- Applying ice on the side of the face for a few minutes. Stretching carefully the jaws by opening and closing the mouth a few times, and finally by applying a hot compress on the same side of the face. Repeat three times a day.
2- Eating soft foods like yogurt, purée, cottage cheese, soup, eggs, fish, fruits, and cooked vegetables. Avoiding hard foods or those that require opening the mouth very wide.
3- Avoiding resting the chin on the hand or holding the phone between the ear and the shoulder. Keeping a good posture.
4- Avoiding the bottom teeth from touching the upper teeth as often as possible, to decrease the pressure on the muscles of the jaws.
5- Reducing stress and taking into consideration physiotherapy or massages.
6- Electric stimulation (TENS) to relax the joint and the muscles of the face.
If the problem persists after your pregnancy, here are things you can do:
1- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). The dentist can prescribe stronger medications in more severe cases.
2- Wearing a bite splint. This will prevent the upper teeth from touching the lower teeth if there is bruxism (grinding of the teeth).
3- Using braces to correct a malocclusion by placing the teeth in a more stable and less traumatic position.
4- Replacing missing teeth with bridges, implants, or partials.
Avoiding yawning or chewing gum.
5- Surgery should only be considered when all the other treatments have failed.