Bad Symptoms Have Returned Posted: 01-03-04 05:49am
I have had had tmj fo about 10 years.
When it first started, my jaw clicked all
the time and was painful. I also lost
the ability to open my mouth all the way.
Eventually, the clicking stopped and the
pain abated to a level that it is below my
pain tolerance. However, a week ago I
was eating a normal meal, and my jaw
suddenly cracked. It was slightly sore
for a few days , but not major pain or
anything. I made the huge mistake of
eating a caramel a few days ago, and now I
am suffering. I literally cannot close
my jaw. I can touch my front teeth
together, but not the back teeth. If I
attempt tp close it, I hear and feel
cracking and popping, but it will not
close. I have been applying heat to it,
but it hasn't really helped. Is this
something that will fix itself on its own,
or should I see a dentist? My dentist
has always told me that nothing can be
done to truly fix the problem, but I that
I can manage it by wearing a mouthguard at
night and avoiding foods that are very
crunchy, chewy, etc. I am worried
because I have never lost the ability to
close the jaw, and it almost seems like it
may be dislocated. I would greatly
appreciate any input. Thank you.
