TMJ?

I can't open my mouth all the way as of about 2 days ago because it hurts on the right side of my jaw. Alot. It just won't open past a certain point.

From what I've read, it sounds like TMJ - if it is - how long until the pain goes away or do I have to see a doctor/dentist?

I took Advil and it didn't work...

Re: TMJ?

I've had it last a week until i was able to see my chiropractor.

Try a chiropractor!

Re: TMJ?

The chiropracter and a bite plate are all that helps me. It's been an issue for me for YEARS and I've tried many different things but the chiro really works best. Do you grind or clench your teeth at night? or do you notice it's worse in the morning?

Re: TMJ?

For a little bit of short-term relief in the meantime, take a wooden pencil and place it lengthwise across the front of your teeth. (It'll sort of find a seat behind your front few teeth) Just close your mouth on it (not biting down) and just let your entire jaw / mouth relax down while the pencil is between your teeth. If it's TMJ, that should offer some temporary relief.

I agree with the others - a dentist or chiropractor would be helpful!

I hope you are feeling better soon!

Re: TMJ?

TMJ. . . what to say. I have TMJ it's a pain in the @$$!!!!!! Every couple of months it bothers me, I have a prescription from my oral surgeon (you should see one) for muscle relaxers (skelaxin) and an anti-inflammatory (naproxen). I take those for a couple of days until it's worked out. Also warm compresses help. It's worse after getting my teeth cleaned

Re: TMJ?

I saw a chiropractor and they helped me out. I would try and get an appt. asap, it could be pretty painful.

Re: TMJ?

i saw an oral surgeon who took an impression of my mouth and my dentist made me a bite plate which really helped (for me, it's caused by grinding my teeth and the bite plate takes come of the pressure off my jaw). even though i don't wear it anymore i do sometimes use it when my jaw starts acting up or when DH hears me grinding my teeth and it helps within days. if you can, try taking advil at night, this can help relax your jaw when you sleep.

Re: TMJ?

I had to get a night guard to sleep with...that Is the only thing that helps the pain. I got it from my dentist.

Try putting a heat pad of your face, this will help relax the muscle.

Re: TMJ?

A couple of years ago I thought I had TMJ but the dentist told me that it was not TMJ and that I was grinding my teeth at night. Apparently I do this when I go to bed stressed. I would wake up with such jaw and ear pain.

Re: TMJ?

See I don't think I grind my teeth - I hate that feeling. But I might be a jaw clencher. Thanks everyone... if I'm not feeling better by Wednesday I guess I'll have to call the dentist.

By the way - the pencil thing did help - thanks