Question 1

what to do if i have tmj and alot of stiffness, should i try to exercise my jaw or will that make it worse?

Accepted Answer

Stiffness  symptom: Stiffness in the jaw can come from arthritis of the bone, dysfunction (loose or torn) TMJ ligaments, or muscle (spasm, trigger points or inflammation) problems. The first thing to do, is to get the diagnosis confirmed as to which of these are involved, one or all three. Then design a treatment plan to address each. Many dentists are not equipped to do this, thus a TMJ specialist is needed.

Question 2

i've had a tmj disorder for several years and i've lately been experiencing pain & grinding noises on the left side of my jaw. hurts to chew. help!

Accepted Answer

TMJ: The best thing to do is to get assessed by a TMJ dentist/doctor/ They might be able to make small changes or offer a retainer to help.

Question 3

i have tmj issues, both from clenching & wisdom extract. 4+ yrs ago. tried dentist suggest.s. what exercise can train my jaw to stop clenching?

Accepted Answer

TMJ Syndrome: I understand your discomfort.
See article of Mayo Clinic and Video-
http://howtostopgrinding.com/tag/tmj-exercises-mayo-clinic
Avoid extreme jaw movements.
Reflect on stresses in life- relationship, marriage, separation, unresolved feelings of worry, fear, hurt, resentment and guilt; work and finances. See a Psychiatrist
Do Breathing and Music Relaxation, Yoga, Meditation.
Continue with Dentist.

Question 4

would jaw alignment surgery help my tmj disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Surgery should be considered the last resort for TMJ disorders.  Sometimes there is no other choice, but i would seek out more than one opinion before having it done.

Question 5

my 12 year olds daughter jaw keeps popping. is it tmj disorder? it doesn't hurt her.

Accepted Answer

Yes, TMJ Disorder: But a mild version. The muscles and ligaments that cause her jaw to move are not working smoothly. If she chews gum have her stop. Eat softer foods next 2-3 weeks. Apply moist heat to the joint area. Stress plays a big role in triggering TMJ problems. Find activities to help reduce her stress level. See your dentist for more detailed help.

Question 6

what are the most common causes in disorders of the tmj  specifically when a patient has pain when trying to open widely the lower jaw?

Accepted Answer

Causes: Included, but not limited to traumatic joint damage, stretched ligaments, bruxism/clenching, malocclusion, lack of anterior guidance, para functional habits, occlusal interferences, anatomy of the joint itself, and many other causes.  If you have a problem, seek treatment before chronic dysfunction becomes acute.  Start with your Dentist.

Question 7

will the habit of clenching your teeth give you a tmj jaw disorder?

Accepted Answer

Clenching: Yes....You can damage the tm joint by
chronic clenching

if its during the day....Make an real attempt
to not do it

if at night.....You must get a lower niteguard
to help protect your teeth and the joint

dont mess with this....It can be serious

see your dentist asap.

Question 8

can tmj disorder cause pain in molars? my 2 lower molars hurt when i chew and generally theres a dull ache, jaw hurts too. dentist says the molars are fine, but wisdom tooth needs to come out. can tmj cause this pain? or wisdom tooth?

Accepted Answer

: Both can be the cause. Bacteria trapped between the wisdom tooth and inflammation can cause pain in the adjacent molars. Clenching or grinding your teeth will put excessive force on the molars which can result in pain. Your dentist has diagnosed the wisdom tooth as the issue... sight unseen I would have to say follow your dentist's advice.

Question 9

what effect, if any, does the menstrual cycle have on tmj disorder? are women more likely to experience tmj symptoms (jaw tension, pain, clenching, etc.) at certain points in their cycle rather than others?

Accepted Answer

Effect: Hormonal changes affect connective tissues, including those that encase the TMJoint. Discuss your experiences with your Dentist. He/she may want to make a supportive Occlusal Orthotic for you.

Question 10

what are some good home-care methods to relieve jaw tension, tenderness and stiffness caused by tmj disorder?

Accepted Answer

Jaw pain: TMJ pain is most often caused by bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and /or clenching, usually at night), or a bad bite.
And, it is often related to stress.
See your dentist or a TMJ specialist for a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
In the meantime, stay on a soft diet, try not to open your mouth wide, and make sure you are not grinding or clenching your teeth during the daytime.

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Doctor answers about:

What are some jaw exercises for people with tmj disorder

A member asked:

What to do if i have tmj and alot of stiffness, should i try to exercise my jaw or will that make it worse?

A member asked:

I've had a tmj disorder for several years and i've lately been experiencing pain & grinding noises on the left side of my jaw. hurts to chew. help!

A member asked:

I have tmj issues, both from clenching & wisdom extract. 4+ yrs ago. tried dentist suggest.s. what exercise can train my jaw to stop clenching?

A member asked:

Would jaw alignment surgery help my tmj disorder?

A member asked:

My 12 year olds daughter jaw keeps popping. is it tmj disorder? it doesn't hurt her.

A member asked:

What are the most common causes in disorders of the tmj specifically when a patient has pain when trying to open widely the lower jaw?

A member asked:

Will the habit of clenching your teeth give you a tmj jaw disorder?

A member asked:

Can tmj disorder cause pain in molars? my 2 lower molars hurt when i chew and generally theres a dull ache, jaw hurts too. dentist says the molars are fine, but wisdom tooth needs to come out. can tmj cause this pain? or wisdom tooth?

A member asked:

What effect, if any, does the menstrual cycle have on tmj disorder? are women more likely to experience tmj symptoms (jaw tension, pain, clenching, etc.) at certain points in their cycle rather than others?

A member asked:

What are some good home-care methods to relieve jaw tension, tenderness and stiffness caused by tmj disorder?

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