I got is once freshmen year of college and it was caused from stress it went again after about a week though. Lately my jaw has been hurting again but im also under a lot stress again.
I had problems with clenching my teeth at night which made my jaw very sore. Sometimes it was difficult to chew, my jaw would feel out of alignment, and sometimes I could not open my jaw very far.
My dentist fitted me with a lower bite guard, and I haven't had any problems since. I know bite guards don't work for everyone, but it certainly worked for me.
I had problems with clenching my teeth at night which made my jaw very sore. Sometimes it was difficult to chew, my jaw would feel out of alignment, and sometimes I could not open my jaw very far.
My dentist fitted me with a lower bite guard, and I haven't had any problems since. I know bite guards don't work for everyone, but it certainly worked for me.
What kind of a bite guard to you have? I was fitted with an NTI appliance. It's really helped with protecting my teeth but has done nothing for my jaw pain.
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I have horrible TMJ. The pain is sometimes unbearable. My dentist suggested an athletic guard (super cheap) and all that did was protect my teeth, no relief of the TMJ pain. I recently tried the Dentek guard, you can buy them most places in the dental aisle. However, that thing didn't last very long for me, I'm already wearing it out in the back. I'm glad it wasn't more than 20 bucks. I'm going to try a different one soon. I can't afford $500-600 for one from a dentist, or at least that's what I've been quoted in the past.
The most relief I've had is taking pain killers, stop chewing gum, try to stay conscious during the day to relax your jaw muscles, and try placing a cold compress where the pain is the worst. I would recommend wearing something to protect your teeth though, even if it doesn't help the TMJ pain you don't want to be doing damage to your teeth. The next guard I plan on buying holds your jaw apart more than most guards and I've read that that doesn't allow you to have as much pressure psi.
I would ask your Dr. and see a dentist about it. Good luck!
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Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
I paid $300 for a gaurf at the dentist 2 months later I snaped in the middle of the night. The company couldn't believe it and gave me a new one and said it was a defect on there end.
The next one I cracked in my sleep at 3 months in .
The dentist said I would need surgery to cut tendon and muscle to relieve the pain, clenching, and grinding.
I am not ready for that, but I can tell you I hate the pain, headaches and tiredness.
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Yeah, they're expensive. I was quoted $400 for mine, I didn't have any dental coverage at the time but did have a better paying job that year so I'm glad I got it while I could. Before I got it though, I tried something from the dental isle that you put in boiling water and then mould to your mouth and it was pointless, I was actually afraid I would choke on it in my sleep so then I gave in and got fitted at the dentist. The NTI appliance is supposed to last for ever, it's too strong to be broken. It's just tiny so I don't take it with me if I travel cause I don't want to risk losing it.
Still it's no help with the jaw pain
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I have TMJ from clenching my teeth at night as well. I was doing it for at least a month before I realized what was going on, and my dentist confirmed it by the wear on my teeth. They said a night guard custom made by them would run me at least $500-600, so I settled for the Dentek one at the pharmacy. My jaw doesn't hurt to the extent it did before (I was having pain and pressure in my face, neck, and head all day), but I still get that clicking noise and discomfort when I open my mouth too wide.
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Reading this thread, I'm thinking maybe I suffer from this? Recently I've noticed that when I'm stressed out I'm clenching down on my teeth. I have to open my jaw real wide to relieve the tightness that is there. When I think about relaxing my jaw and the muscles the tension eases.
I've had other jaw issues in the past. The clicking noise and not being able to open it all the way. After a few weeks it always passed so I never sought treatment for it. Haven't had the jaw opening problem in a few years though. I have had chronic headaches all my life though. When I feel one coming on, I immediately take 3 extra strength Tylenol and it goes away. If left untreated, it will turn into a nasty migraine.
Does this sound like TMJ?
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Reading this thread, I'm thinking maybe I suffer from this? Recently I've noticed that when I'm stressed out I'm clenching down on my teeth. I have to open my jaw real wide to relieve the tightness that is there. When I think about relaxing my jaw and the muscles the tension eases.
I've had other jaw issues in the past. The clicking noise and not being able to open it all the way. After a few weeks it always passed so I never sought treatment for it. Haven't had the jaw opening problem in a few years though. I have had chronic headaches all my life though. When I feel one coming on, I immediately take 3 extra strength Tylenol and it goes away. If left untreated, it will turn into a nasty migraine.
Does this sound like TMJ?
Yes, it absolutly does. TMJ is often associated with migranes.
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What kind of a bite guard to you have? I was fitted with an NTI appliance. It's really helped with protecting my teeth but has done nothing for my jaw pain.
Thanks for the information girls!! It has been really helpful. The next time I go for my yearly check up, I will mention it to my Dr. Thanks again!
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I think I have it. It was worse in high school...sometimes I would wake up and not be able to open my mouth for a few hours. Pretty bad. Nowadays it just acts up when I am involved in rigorous mouth activity. It feels like my jaw is going to lock up or pop out of place if I open it. I just avoid pushing it too hard.
How many of you have TMJ? 
They said a night guard custom made by them would run me at least $500-600, so I settled for the Dentek one at the pharmacy. My jaw doesn't hurt to the extent it did before (I was having pain and pressure in my face, neck, and head all day), but I still get that clicking noise and discomfort when I open my mouth too wide.
