Me again, jaw still sore!

[beanbox]

Hi, me again. As I say jaw is still sore, but i think its my back teeth on the left.
It seems my top jaw clicks every time I open my mouth. It looks (and feels) like my back teeth have moved outwards, at the jaw. Is this possible? Also i regurlarly hear a cracking or clicking noise along with a weird feeling, in different parts of my mouth. In a lot of pain, really worried about it!

 

[brit]

Sounds like TMJ. You'd be best advised to get yourself checked out.

 

[beanbox]

I thought that at first, but it seems to be the top jaw inside the mouth...ow

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hey

Go see a dentist for a diagnose. The location you write about actually feets to teh TMJ.
I suggest you to avoid chewing gum and try to prevent thess clics (as much as possible).
Good luck.

 

[beanbox]

I dont chew gum, the clickin and cracking happens even whrn im not moving my mouth, i suppose i cant really explain very well.

 

[happydaze]

This sounds very much like TMJ dysfunction but you need to see a dentist, and maybe even be referred to Maxillofacial or Oral Medicine for diagnosis.

In the mean time there is no harm to be had from trying some simple measures. The jaw joint space may be inflamed which may make your bite feel different, so try ibuprofen gel rubbed over the joint or take ibuprofen tablets as necessary for pain relief. Similarly, some people may get relief from a heat pack or hot water bottle over the joint. A softer diet, avoiding really hard/tough foods will reduce the strain on the joint, and you should watch out for any habits of clenching your teeth. Clenching or grinding the teeth is so common that pretty much everyone will do it at some point in their lives. If it is the jaw joint then it will only crack when it's moving. If it doesn't seem to be moving then youre probably clenching your teeth! Try not to as it will strain the joint. See if you can find any pattern to the problem. Is it worse first thing in the morning? Or at the end of the day? Is it better on holiday? You might be able to work out when you clench or grind.

Finally, I know it sounds easy for me to say, you should take any chance you can to reduce stress in your life. It's a viscious circle. Stress causes clenching causes pain causes stress. Other than that, 70% of TMJD patients improve on these and a few other simple measures like physio exercises and a mouthguard from the dentist. Please don't worry.

 

[beanbox]

Back from the dentist, he says i have an abcess and a wisdom tooth. He says the swelling is being caused by the abcess and thats what caused the teeth to be moved out towards the jaw. I hope hes right.