Hi,

i know you said jaw and teeth, but I think there all related. I was reading the july-august issue of arthritis today and on page 10 there was a small section titled "ear and jaw pain". Basically it says that during a flare arthritis in the jaw joint can cause pain ( i'm assuming the teeth as well) and in the ear. Just thought I would share.

Michele

I thought it was something the dentist did to me when he filled a tooth. Afterwards, my jaw hurt from holding it open so long. I thought it would get better, but it got worse. My jaw hurt all the way to my front lower teeth. Not constantly, but off and on. I don't know if it is a lupus thing. I haven't even been diagnosed with it, though i'm here because I have so many of the symptoms and the doctors don't know what I have. So, i'm probably no help at all.

I found in some of my research that many lupus patients also have tmj. The temporomandibular joint is a vulnerable joint for pain and arthritic joint degeneration, so it makes sense that people with a disease that attacks joints would have problems with it. I was treated for tmj about 8 years before I was diagnosed with lupus. A dentist or orthodontist specifically trained and well trained to deal with tmj can give you several helpful options to relieve pain. I worked with my orthodontist on several publications and became very familiar with the research of tmj and various treatment methods. Just make sure you consult someone who is truly an expert working with tmj.
Lizbet

Thanks for the info lizbet. I will consider that if this continues.