i'm a teen and woke up this morning and now I'm feelling pain in my right side of my jaw when i open my mouth, if I lean or move my jaw to the left, opening my mouth is fine, but to the right, it starts to hurt and wont open fully. I researched it a little and read some scary stuff, just really wondering how to fix this problem, and want to know if surgery is needed in this... happened once before but was after i ate a bunch of sunflowers seed at night, woke up it was fine, I'm just curious now because its my second time this happened and after researching it, i'm scared something is really wrong, and scared it might lead to surgery, someone help please
2006-07-21 02:51:51 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
I wouldn't be too worried. This is fairly common. Since you described it as happening when you wake up - I would suspect you were grinding your teeth and/or clenching your jaw while you slept. It could be a mild form of TMJ ( visit the website tmj.org for more info). As always - see your dentist or doctor to rule out other things. If you are grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws - there are simple devices to prevent you from doing that at night. At your age I would doubt you have anything to worry about. Good luck.
2006-07-21 03:02:05 · answer #1 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is only happening now and then, I wouldn't worry too too much.
You might have TMJD, which is a common jaw problem, especially among nail biters, teeth grinders, and gum chewers. This causes the joint in your jaw (called the TMJ) to swell up, sometimes it will click, and it is often painful. It's a common problem and there are many, many treatments for it.
Jaw surgery is a last resort. Unless you have trauma to the jaw which has caused stunted growth or another such problem, you shouldn't have to worry too much about that.
I would reccomend talking to your dentist, or your physician, whichever you can see soonest. Explain the problem and s/he will tell you your options.
For now, try taking some ibuprofen. Don't take it excessively as it is bad for your stomach to do so, but it is a mild antiinflammatory drug, which will reduce swelling if it is there and relieve the pain.
2006-07-21 09:57:43 · answer #2 · answered by Sappho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have TMJ (temporal mandibular joint disorder). I would pay a visit to the family doctor. To take the edge off the pain, take some ibuprofen for now. The inflammation that causes the pain is the result of overworking the jaw. It could have various other symptoms to irritate the jaw (such as sleeping with your knuckles against the joint). I would see your doctor, explain the symptoms and follow directions. I hope this helps.
2006-07-21 09:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by White Rabbit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's nearly impossible to guess based on what you have provided. If surgery were needed, I would guess you'd be having this problem pretty much nonstop first. Could be you slept on your face wrong and made it sore or slept with your jaw out of alignment. Why not ice it with an ice pack for awhile and see if it goes away. Quit working it because that might be making it worse. If it continues, I'd mention it to the dentist and see if he can see anything wrong.
2006-07-21 09:59:02 · answer #4 · answered by J Somethingorother 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a dentist to take a look, the sooner the better. He might have to take a tooth out. He'll prescribe an antibiotic and maybe a painkiller afterwards. But if you're like me and can't take a lot of precription painkillers without bad reactions, be ready to pop tylenol.
Good luck!
2006-07-21 10:00:17 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like TMJ. I have experienced this myself before. It comes from continual chewing (as in gum). It puts stress on your jaw. Could you be grinding your teeth in your sleep? If it continues long enough though, I'd recommend seeing a dentist.
2006-07-21 09:57:13 · answer #6 · answered by trueblond195 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds kinda like TMJ which is caused by clenching your jaw. I would go see a dentist to be sure that it isn't a abscess. Take some Advil.
2006-07-21 09:55:10 · answer #7 · answered by Bors 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like TMJ, which is somewhat common. I get that pain very infrequently, usually while chewing food. You should go to the doctor for more info, and also check out webmd.com.
2006-07-21 09:55:01 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go in and talk to your doctor hun. It could be your clenching your teeth in your sleep. I've done that before and I couldn't hardly open my mouth for 2 days. There are many things it could be. I would suggest going to see your doctor first though!
2006-07-21 09:56:39 · answer #9 · answered by christinajean18 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you either chiped a tooth or your wisdom teeth are comming in congrats your in pain and if it is wisdom teeth get you some baby orijel and wait it out it will take about 5 years or less for them to push through the skin i have had mine since i was 20 pushing out and there still not out and i will be 24 this year
2006-07-21 09:57:16 · answer #10 · answered by Tiffany 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋