My jaw would start popping when I ate or tried to open my mouth really big. Now, I can't open my mouth all the way (it hurts too bad!). Does this sound like TMJD? Would I see a dentist or my regular doctor for this? Also, any tips to ease the pain in the meantime would be great. Thanks!
2007-05-15 10:26:32 · 6 answers · asked by tonetones03 3 in Health ➔ Dental
I was being treated unsuccessfully for TMJD for about 4 years, until a neurologist diagnosed me with Trigeminal Neuralgia. If the pain is "electrical" in nature, you probably don't have TMJD. Tegretol and Neurontin work on Trigeminal Neuralgia, but don't work on TMJD. See a Neurolgist.
2007-05-15 10:32:08 · answer #1 · answered by correrafan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is most definetely TMJ. I have endured with it for years. Some docs will "wire your jaw" (old method, don't know if thats still done anymore) but I know MANY people who have had this done and they all said it wasn't worth it and didn't help.
Sometimes they also suggest putting a "band" around your head, going around your jaw to act as a "sling" and take the pressure off the joint. My sister tried this for awhile but as you can imagine that gets aggrivating after awhile and was short lived.
I have had this for well over 18 yrs now. I've noticed there are different "phases" to it. First the click'n & pop'n....then comes the pain. Then in severe cases such as mine and most of my fam & friends....the jaw will dislocate which initially is NOT fun. But I have had it for so long now that unless it pops really hard, it doesn't bother me anymore. If I want to open my mouth wide to yawn or something....I have to "shift gears" lol....(dislocate it and move it into better position) sounds awful, but it doesn't bother me anymore. It hurt alot worse in the initial stages.
DON'T CHEW CHEWING GUM!!!! Worst thing you can do for this. Try to eat foods that don't require alot of chewing. You might look into glucosimine sulfate (helps joints) it didn't matter for me because my joint was already gone and destroyed...but if your still in the earlier stages I would highly recommend this stuff. YOu can find it in walmart vitamin/herb section.
2007-05-15 10:34:50 · answer #2 · answered by Onyx Ninja 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Popping and other joint sounds are OK. Pain or restricted opening are not. See an oral surgeon. Take an anti inflammatory (Advil,or Aleve) for the pain. This doesn't sound good.
Dr. Wilson
Phoenix, AZ
2007-05-15 11:07:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like it to me. I too have TMJ and my jaw does pop and lock on me. You can talk to either your doctor or dentist but the dentist will be able to help you faster. In the meanwhile to relieve the pain take Advil or Motrin since they also relieve swelling in the joint. Hot compresses and avoid eating crunchy,hard or chewy foods. While in pain the less chewing and moving of the jaw the better it will feel also avoid opening to wide and Do Not Chew gum the constant chewing will make the pain 5 times as bad.
2007-05-15 10:34:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be TMJ. You can do things that will help it befor you see the dentist or the regular dr. One thing that would help is taking something like extra strength tylenol. Another thing that will help is to put heat on your face, by your ear where the joint is. Do not have the heating pad or rag very hot though.
And try not to be stressed. TMJ is a form of arthritis. Another thing that will help is to get a guard in the dental section of Walmart and wear it when you are sleeping, to help you not grind your teeth when you are sleeping.
2007-05-15 10:34:15 · answer #5 · answered by suzie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a thought, can you remove the splint for your speech?
2016-03-16 07:09:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋