Does anyone have...?!
Question:
Does anyone have...?
I have just called my dentist ,I have an apt tommorrow .From what I told her she supects I have TMJ . My jaw is too sore to yawn or eat its really painful! Has anyone experienced this & how was it treated . Thanks so much in advance
Answers:
Sorry to hear you are so sore, but know that you aren't alone. I have many patients with TMJ otherwise known as Temperomandibular Joint disorder. Basically you need to be kind to yourself right now. You might consider taking some anti-inflammatory medicine (advil) and apply some heat to the area. You should cut your food into small pieces and try to stick with softer foods, obviously no gum chewing. You should not be opening your jaw wide, not that you would probably want to right now. That is typically how TMJ is treated unless it is a severe case (you don't sound severe), then a surgical procedure may be warranted. Between the upper jaw and lower jaw there is a donut shaped disc that acts as cushion and its possible that your's slipped out of place for a bit and that is the cause of your pain. Often TMJ is linked to a jaw injury or trauma. You may also end up wearing a mouthguard while you sleep (a nightguard) to help keep the space between your upper and lower teeth to give your jaw muscles a break if you grind or clench your teeth at night....
Good luck!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist