in relation to jaw problems,can you get it from familial history?

Question

i have a jaw problem,which i didn't know yet if this is "TMJ",i hope it'll not be like that... but accdg., to what i have read some of the details,it's kinda like that...just this morning,upon waking up,my jaw hurts,as if i can't yawn or open it widely, and before i have a series of grating sound in my jaw.. it is a serious case? what would be the measure on relieving these symptoms?
cold and hot compress? what should be the first thing to do? thank you...

Answer 1

No familial or genetic factor is documented for "acquired" TMJ dysfunction in the dental or medical literature at this time.

The causes?

The most common cause of TMJ dysfunction is either (1) acute trauma - aka. "whiplash injury" or (2) chronic mini-traumas to the temporomandibular joint.

The prevalence?

Headache (33%)
Joint sounds (21.3%)
Lip/cheek biting (41%)
Nail biting (29%)
Bruxism or grind teeth at night (7.4%)
Thumb sucking (7.8% ).
*Source: Head Face Med. 2006 Aug 16;2:25.

New finding?

A recent study concluded that when baby pacifier if used for a prolonged period of time, it may damage the TMJ joint.
*Source: Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol (Engl Ed). 2005 Jun;71(3):365-368. Epub 2005 Dec 14.

What to do?

1. See your dentist or oral surgeon (MOST IMPORTANT)
2. Avoid bad oral habits (eg. biting cheek/nails)
3. Soft diets
4. Heat application
5. Take ADVIL or MOTRIN as needed to relieve pain
6. Avoid chewing gums and eating chips
7. Sleep with no pillow or a very thin soft pillow
8. Head and neck posture exercise (see link below)

Best Wishes,
Minh Nguyen, DDS
http://www.softdental.com

Answer 2

"TMJ" is the name of the Joint (Temporal-Mandibular Joint)
The condition is called "TMD" for disease or disorder - this might help you w/ future net searches, for example.

Yes, it sounds as tho' your problem is related to YOUR TMJ and you may HAVE a mild case of TMD. Take 200-400 mg of ibuprofen (if you can) every 4-6 hrs and hot compresses for 20 min at a time for a couple hours is the best thing.

Don't chew gum and avoid large bites of, say, submarine sandwiches....

If you visit a dentist, they can often fix it with an appliance such as a nightguard, which is an accryllic plastic thing that you wear over your teeth while you sleep to prevent the clenching that causes TMD. They are usually 2-300 dollars and insurance will sometimes cover half of it or so.

I don't think it's hereditary, tho' I suppose there are skeletal structure issues that can be passed on. It's actually quite common in women from 20s through 40s.

Answer 3

First of all, most people experience some or all of your symptoms at one time or another in their lives. If you don't have a caring dentist, I suggest you find one. You may need a splint to give you some relief. In the meantime, here are a few pointers:
1) Don't talk on the phone much. This strains the muscles that control your jaws. 2) Don't chew gum 3) Don't chew hard foods or hard to chew foods 4) Try to sleep on your back 5) Take Ibuprofen if you can 6) Warm, moist heat, such as standing in the shower may give some help. Try to relax and not force your mouth open widely. You can also massage the jaw joint.

Answer 4

You have received good answers above. You may start using night guard from any drug store/Walmart, without taking any medicines, and see if it makes the difference. But there is one place where a hoslistic approach of treatment is adopted, using Ayurveda and modern medical system. You may give it a try on internet search for something like hoslistic tmj treatment in India. Good luck.

Answer 5

You might be night grinding, straining the hinge muscles. Been there and done that. Stress will definitely contribute to it in your sleep.

Mine was caused when my jaw was out of place for 45 minutes, having wisdom teeth pulled.

I don't think it is hereditary.

Try taking Ibuprofen every 4 hours for several days. This will help get rid of the swelling and inflammation in the tissue and muscle. It worked for me. I do it if it flairs up.

When mine was bad I got a "Night Guard" out of the dental section at Walmart. You dip it in boiling water then bite into them to get your correct dental imprint. Then wear them when you sleep. If I remember correctly it was $20.00.


It only takes a few nights to break the habit and let your jaw heal. I hope this helps.

Happy Holidays.!