TMJ Survival Guide

The term Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ is characterized by pain or tenderness in temporomandibular joint and/or surrounding muscles. Years ago, I experienced pain on the left side of my jaw. I used a heating pad at first and took some acetaminophen for the pain. After I visited my family doctor, I was told that I should go see my dentist. I was surprised to hear this, but followed doctor’s orders and went to see my dentist. Before then, I had never heard of TMJ. My dentist told me he had seen this many times and he could make me an appliance to wear at night that should solve the problem. He said the appliance will prevent my teeth from grinding and being misaligned. They took a mold of my mouth with what look like mushy playdough. In no time, he had a completed mold that he was going to use to build the custom appliance.

I forget how long it took for the appliance to be made, but in the meantime, I continued my home remedies of using a heating pad, taking acetaminophen and avoiding sleeping on my left side. When I returned to the dentist, the appliance was ready and it fitted like a glove. It was smaller than I thought and fitted over my front top two teeth (not all the teeth like the over-the-counter ones that they now sell in stores). It was uncomfortable at first, and I thought to myself, how I can wear this, will I be able to sleep, and do I have it wear it forever?

Well, it’s now years later, and I still use the appliance at bedtime.

There are a few other things I have done over the years as additional preventive measures:

No Nail Biting – I used to bite my nails when I was younger, and then occasionally as an adult. I know nail biting is not a good idea if you have TMJ, so as a rule of thumb, I don’t bite my nails.

No Gum Chewing – Since excessive chewing may aggravate TMJ, I decided to give up chewing gum. I don’t miss it that much. Once in a blue, blue moon, I treat myself to a piece of gum but I don’t chew it that long. I actually haven’t had a piece of gum in a few years. No biggie.

Avoid Chewy Candy – Again, like the gum, sticky chewy candy is not a good idea for TMJ, or teeth (especially if you’ve had dental work, like crowns), so I avoid that type of candy. I don’t miss the candy too much and it gives me a reason to head for the chocolate. But then I’m lactose intolerant, so let’s not go there…that will be another hub.

Avoid Sleeping On Your Bad Side – Since my left side was where the pain was, I avoided sleeping on my left side at all cost. Initially I was actually afraid to sleep on my side, because of the pain. Overtime, like everything else, I just go used to it. I sleep on my right side occasionally, but for the most part, I sleep on my back most of the time. I never sleep on my stomach, and that’s not good for your back anyway.

Wear the Appliance Religiously – And as I mentioned before, I wear my custom appliance every night. I am curious if anyone out there has tried the over-the-counter versions and how they work.

Acetaminophen for Occasional Pain – Once in awhile, if I feel any discomfort in my jaw, I take 2 acetaminophen tablets at bedtime.

No Whining and Think Happy, Positive Thoughts – As an adult, and the older you get, the more you learn to deal with things and not whine. It helps to not whine and not complain about things. Instead, it helps to look on the bright side of things. So rather than complain, I think happy thoughts, use some positive thinking and just keep thinking about being well. It’s like in the DVD and book, The Secret, which is by the way, my favorite DVD and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Click here to go to my list of books and CD’s of success and happiness.