LOCK JAW - It hurts!

CAMSMOM1 wrote: Ok, I have TMJ....lock jaw as some people call it. I have had it for years. But lately it's been getting worse because I have been grinding my teeth at night. So every morning I can barely move my mouth because it hurts so much! I have considered getting surgery on it, but that means they'll have to WIRE SHUT my mouth for 6 weeks! Scray! But on the flip side, it would be a good way to lose weight! I wouldn't be able to stuff myself! Ha!

Seriously, does anyone else have this? Is surgery the only way to go? Cause I can't take this any longer! It gives me migraines....and I'd do anything not to have another migraine! My dentist said he can order me a bite-plate for my mouth at night...guess how much one of those suckers cost? 500.00! And he can't guarentee me that it'll solve the problem, I just won't mess up my teeth from grinding them. He says I grind so bad that my teeth are going to fall out! That's always good news from a dentist! But this TMJ thing is really hurting!

Ann

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: I'm a clencher, not a grinder. But I have a little mouth guard that my dentist made for me, under $100. And when I notice my jaw aching, I wear it for a few weeks at night and it kind of retrains my mouth not to clench. I can get the name of it for you when I get home from work if you like.

C&K*s Mommie replied: $500, and no guarantees???? Are they out of their minds?!?!

But seriously, Ann I am sorry that you are having to deal with the pain in the AM, and the misery of your migraines as a result, too. I hope that Kelly will be able to assist you in turn so that you can present the info to your dentist.


I had seen someone have their mouth wired shut yrs ago on tv, and ever since I had always wanted to have that done-- just for the weight loss!! It is sad... I know.

MamaJAM replied: I have TMJ also - pretty bad too. On x-rays taken last spring I have the wear-and-tear on my jaw of a woman in her mid-60s (I'm 32)!! My dentist doesn't rush with surgery -- he said a bite-plate was the way to go. Yes - they are expensive - and most insurances don't cover them....but you might be able to work out a finance/payment plan with your dentist's office.
I've had my plate since late summer and I can tell you it REALLY helps! I haven't been having the locking/cracking in my jaw that I used to. In fact - one night I forgot to put in the bite-plate before drifting off to sleep and the next day I had soreness....the following night I remembered again and have had no pain since.

If at all possible - I'd try the bite-plate before having surgery. Good Luck and I hope you are feeling better soon.

MyBlueEyedBabies replied: I have the night guard too. Actually I've had 2 and can't find either now but...THe flexable ones are awesome and totally stop me from grinding

And when I was younger I went through 4 rounds of selance in 4 years. My molars are also totally smooth

CAMSMOM1 replied: Thanks ladies for your replies. It's nice to know that the bite plates/guards work. I didn't want to invest that type of money without knowing if it would help.

Did you find them uncomfortable to wear at night? Was it hard falling asleep with it on?

I talked to my dentist, and my insurance will pay half. I guess I will have to pay 300 for it. Gosh that sounds like a lot compared to what you paid Kelly. That would be great if you can get me the name of your mouth guard.

My DH also grinds his teeth, it's horrible to listen to when I'm trying to go to sleep. So he also needs to get one. But I'm afraid that if we buy him one, that he won't wear it. You know how men are with things like that!

But I'd rather buy 2 mouth guards then both of us with surgery!

Ann

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Sorry - I have it too. I've pretty much given up on it ever getting fixed -- I don't want to get the surgury and that's all that's left to try. Sometimes if it's really hurting I'll do some little exercises and then put and ice cube on it. I hope it gets better for you!

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: The name is NTI. Here is a link to a website that includes picture and description and basically how it works. It has done wonders for me.
http://www.headacheprevention.com/pages/whatisit.html

MyBlueEyedBabies replied: For me only the soft one worked. the hard (similar material to the top part of a retainer) one was okay for the first part of the night but I would always have to search for it in the morning because I would spit it out somewhere in my bed or on the floor. My sister said I wouldn't grind my teeth on nights where I wore it though.

MamaJAM replied:
I have a hard one that was fitted to my teeth. The first 2 nights were a bit strange with it -- but - I quickly got used to it and don't sleep without it now.

There is one I've seen ads for that's soft and you can just buy it.....you don't need to be fitted at a dentist or anything. I think it's about $70 -- if I can find a link or the ad with the smae - I'll post it.

SOUTHERN MOMMY replied: Hey they sell night guards at wal-mart cause i have one cause i grind my teeth at night and it works as good as the expensive one i got from the dentist and lost

CAMSMOM1 replied:

Oh that would be awesome! I really need to get one, and I think the dentist is charging me way to much!

I woke up again this morning and it felt like my molars were going to fall out! I have had the worst migraines from it, and I can barley chew my food. I'm desperate to try anything at this point.

I'm going to check out that website, and go to Walmart tonight! I can't go on another night like this!

Thanks ladies for the great tips and advice.

Ann

SOUTHERN MOMMY replied: Hey if you can't find one at walmart go to a sports store they have mouth guards and if it is really hard just boil it for a few min. and that will soften it up. At walmart they are where the orajel and things like that are. I hope this helps.