TMJ

JennRenee Posted: Oct 28, 2003 07:29 AM

TMJ

I've always had very mild TMJ, which was nothing but a minor annoyance, but pregnancy has reared it's head again, and as of this morning I can't close my jaw all the way or chew anything but very soft foods. My entire mouth area is also very swollen, so I look ridiculous.

I know from experience that time and Tylenol will fix this, but do you think a dentist could help me to keep it from happening again??

Any advice?

jenny11.9 Posted: Oct 28, 2003 08:20 AM

Re: TMJ

I get this off and on. I was just thinking that I have been lucky thus far during the pregnancy..it's really umcomfortable.

When I used to get it, I had a prescription - something for arthritis sufferers. Of course you can't take that now. Tylenol should help some. Also gentle massage might release some of the clicking, swollen and pain. Ugh it's the worst.....I used to put a warm washcloth on the side of my face and then kind of rub in circles through that. Also - try not to sleep on that side of your face to avoid any congestion or sinuses to seep into that area and inflame it more.

As far as a dentist...I don't think they can do anything. That was my first stop when it started to happen, and they sent me to my General Practitioner. After of course they checked to see if it was tooth related..but it sounds to me like it's muscular for you as it is for me..

Good luck...

JennRenee Posted: Oct 28, 2003 08:22 AM

Re: TMJ

Thanks. I figured there wasn't much a dentist could do, but I thought I'd ask.
I'm about to head off to work with 'chipmunk face'. Let's hope the kids don't notice!

jenny11.9 Posted: Oct 28, 2003 08:23 AM

Re: TMJ

ice packs might bring the swelling down a little. just try not to irritate it. eat soft foods - like ICE CREAM!!!!!!

JennRenee Posted: Oct 28, 2003 08:24 AM

Re: TMJ

I like how you think!

LisaW Posted: Oct 28, 2003 08:30 AM

Re: TMJ

My brother has TMJ. His dentist made him a nightguard to wear when he sleeps.
He says it helps.

I have one too (I grind really bad) and never wear it!

Stef28 Posted: Oct 28, 2003 09:46 AM

Re: TMJ

UGH - I know what you are going through. I have TMJ very bad. I've had it since I was in high school but in April I had an episode and it's not gone away. I'm seeing a facial pain specialist. I have a night guard to wear at night.

I take muscle relaxers (but don't know if you can take it while pregnant) and ibuprofin which might help with the swelling.

An ice pack usually helps me a bit with the pain.

I unfortunately may have to have surgery, which I really don't want but I've been suffering with this pain for 6 months -- all of the time!

I hope you find some relief -- it might be best to find a specialist. I know it must be difficult b/c you can't take much in the way of medication while you are pregnant.

michele31 Posted: Oct 28, 2003 10:10 AM

Re: TMJ

Ouch! Ask your dentist. I grind my teeth during exterme stress and have actually grinded out a filling before...you can get a small plastic mouth guard to protect your teeth.

Jordan Posted: Oct 28, 2003 10:16 AM

Re: TMJ

A dentist can fit you for a nightguard...and Ibuprophren would help more than Tylenol - since it's a muscular issue.

ETA: Also moist heat. I have an herbal neck thingie that I use but you could mist a towel with some water and plop it into the microwave for 2-3 minutes (depending on how hot you can tolerate it) and place the towel on your jaw. It helps relax it a little.

elle Posted: Oct 28, 2003 10:58 AM

Re: TMJ

I have TMJ very bad --- I had surgery to help my jaw from locking shut a few years ago. Mine has been flaring up also -- I have been seeing my ENT for help -- I had a special ' bite guard' made for me that I use when my jaw is really sore -- It relaxes your muscles by not allowing your jaw to completley shut -- I sleep with it also . It works wonders. I also take Tylenol or advil --- and hot water like the shower running on my jaw helps too --- try to eat soft things for a while-- no bagels-- pretzels or anything that you have to chew hard. You need to let the muscles relax then it will feel better. He prescribed the arthritis meds -- and the muscle relxers for me -- but they had a lot of side efffects -- so I chose not to take them -- I dont do well with medicines -- Im very sensitive to them . Have your DH massage your neck and jaw area also -- that helps loosen it up ... And try to watch how you sleep and sit --- check your posture -- make sure your chin is ' up ' not down towards your chest... These are all things I do and they help me -- hope they can help you too ... Good luck !!

JennRenee Posted: Oct 28, 2003 05:23 PM

Re: TMJ

Thanks so much for all of your advice. I can't take ibuprofin (well, at least not for another 2 weeks or so), but I plan to try ALL of the other remedies you recommended.

jennbaby Posted: Oct 28, 2003 06:32 PM

Re: TMJ

jENNY i HAVE tmj AND SOMETIMES SLEEP WITH A MOUTHPIECE & IT WORKS WONDERS!

Oops sorry for the caps!

Samanthas Mom Posted: Oct 30, 2003 09:52 AM

Re: TMJ

Jenn- my mom has TMJ too
she uses some sensitive toothpaste I think Sensodyne? (SP?)
and her doctor made her this invisible mold thing like a retainer to wear when she sleeps or whenever she wants, maybe you should look into it? she wears it at night or when no one is around, its gummy like and not really visible