Tmj

[DaughterOfErin]

Anyone here suffer from this?

I think I may have the beginning stages of this and would appreciate any helpful tips in relieving the pain associated with it. It seems it's more painful while laying down on the sofa or when in bed at night.

TIA

[Debbie-cat]

My ex husband had it very bad the best relief for him was to visit the chiropractor regularly. They have an adjustment that is done on the jaw that gave him great relief.

[lisaflex]

go to your dentist and get a mouthguard made...works miracles...

[PrairieRose]

Yes, have had it since I was in high school. The best relief is a night guard from Wal mart (for $20 vs. a couple of hundred from the dentist, does the same thing). Also be very mindful of not biting with your front teeth, like anything really hard or chewy. You can massage the hinges of your jaws when it's really flaring up and that helps and you can also relax and let the bottom jaw hang open for a few seconds, stretch it wide open for a few and then relax again, massaging afterwards.....oh and don't chew gum....that makes it worse. I hope some of this helps. It's how I've coped for 30 odd years.

[zakity]

Heat on your jaw. Zap two damp washcloths in the microwave and put them on each side. Reheat as needed.

When you yawn, touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth. It takes practice. But, it helps you to not open your mouth so wide.

Keep track of what you eat. I can't eat too many raw carrots or too many salads too close together. It makes my jaw ache.

Ibuprofen is your friend. It has anti-inflamitory properties. When I am having a flair up, I take it for like 24 hours straight.

Go to a good orthodontist who has specialty training in jaw disorders. My TMJ was caused by my lower jaw being too small. I had a herbst and braces to correct my bite and I am mainly out of pain. I would be totally out of pain, but the bone is deformed from sitting in the joint wrong all these years. The bone is supposed to look like the head of a brontosaurus. Mine looks sort of alligatorish.