I have TMJD

The last few weeks have been miserable... With jaw pain ranging from moderate to severe. I have been to many doctors and they all say go to the dentist- but I have no dental insurance. I have a muscle relaxer but it does not give me pain relief and I am not supposed to go anywhere (drive) when taking it, so there goes that during the day. Can only take it at night. I have been told to get a mouth guard, and I did, but the mouth guard hurts my teeth and now I have been having pain all over my face and head since starting the mouth guard. I am going to go insane one day from this pain.

See if your insurance will cover a DMD they specialize in facial issues & are both Dentists & Doctors. Just any mouth guard isn't going to help much, you need one that is made FOR your mouth. I know what you are going through, I have severe TMJD. If you can find an accupuncturist who is willing to work on a sliding scale, you might find that helps. Good luck, PM me, or catch me when I'm on-line if you would like to talk more.

I know they make a retainer for TMJ, but they're a couple thousand dollars. Medical insurance covers it instead of dental (although mine didn't cover much). You pretty much have to wear it all the time you're not eating and still take pain killers (just over the counter is enough for me) but once I started doing that I rarely had any pain anymore. But then again, my mind either blocks pain or my nerves don't register it, so maybe I'm not feeling pain partially because of that…

I don't know if the retainer works for everyone so you're taking a chance because of the cost. But if it does work, it's worth it.

I think surgery is also an option as a last ditch effort. I absolutely can't do surgery because I play a brass instrument professionally/semi-professionally and can't change my jaw without having to completely relearn how to play. But, it could be an option for you. It should still be covered by medical insurance as TMJ is recognized as a medical disorder rather than a dental problem as far as I've ever known.

My splints ranged from $800 to $1600 depending on how complex they were &, for some reason the dentist I was using. I just have to wear mine at night. Yes, some medical insurances cover them, so it never hurts to check it out. Also explaining the fact that you don't have much $$ to begin with sometimes helps because some professionals DO care about more than just the money. Wishing you lots of luck!!

I.Am.The.End,I'm glad you are having such success with your retainers. What instument do you play?

I am having success with a mouth guard I bought from walmart for $25. I had no pain today, or hardly any anyway. Thanks.

Krisakira,
That's great! I'm glad you were able to get some relief! Stick with the mouth guard, I stopped using mine because I kept taking them out in my sleep or I would chew threw them so quickly. I eventually had to go to several docs for the TMJD pain and had a custom mouth guard (night) and retainer made for the day. I wish you all the best, I know how bad the pain can be. ((Hugs))

I play trumpet and the only reason I have to wear mine all the time (it's supposed to be night only) is because the pressure on my jaw when I play trumpet is enough to make it sore.

I have talked to my dentist about mine and he said he could fit me for a mouth guard for sleeping. I have so many difficulties sleeping anyway I hate to add a mouth guard into it.

I know some doctors treat it as they would depression/anxiety as the tension caused by anxiety can cause TMJD. I don't doubt this as when I'm really stressed it's much worse. I cannot eat things that require a lot of chewing or hard things such as nuts or even pizza crust. Muscle relaxers do not seem to help, but ibuprofen helps some if I take it consistently and i massage my upper jaw in the tender areas which seems to help. I also stretch my jaw. For me I have a little bit of an overbite so I stretch my lower jaw forward and from side to side. At first it's painful, but then things loosen up for me.

From what I've heard, the surgery is inadvisable. The prognosis isn't great for most people, it can make things worse and is irreversible.

Several years ago, some doctors talked me into having orthognathic surgery (straightening the jaw). Big mistake. The side of my face droops. I have trouble swallowing. I have a speech impediment. And other problems. All that caused by the surgery. (The surgeon was supposed to be the best in the state).

I am also one that suffers from TMJD! It is the worst pain, I am so sorry you are going threw this. I had went to jaw specialist, MRI's of TMJ etc and my relief is also muscle relaxer that I cannot drive on and a $35 very little mouthguard I sleep in. I got the Aqualizer mouthguard from Jaw MD.

It sounds like you are in acute stage? I had a TON of RELIEF FROM COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE in TMJ and many other locations. If you google community acupuncture in your city you will be able to find theses providers. The price range is between $15-$35 depend on what you can pay!

A year ago I was in such a bad acute stage I could not talk cause pain. I then got the medications and test done and now I am doing much better. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE. It will take a few times to work and some people do not believe in acupuncture. If you try one acupuncturist a few weeks and are not happy....try another! Sometimes you have to shop around till you get the correct fit. Lots of luck and I hope you get feeling better soon.

I too have TMJD, from teeth grinding and clenching. I do believe its anxiety related with me as well as habit. I have a mouth guard. I get ear, jaw, tooth, head and neck pain. It's improved a little over the last month since getting intensive treatment for my anxiety. If it doesn't get better or gets worse I've discussed with my dentist about getting a splint which basically stops the teeth touching and the jaw being able to clench. Good luck to you all

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