#Jaw pain

[localzombies-net]

My braces hurt..

[mentally-retired]

chronic internal pain sucks worst than chronic physical pain (for me, everyone experiences things differently)

like when my jaw hurts more than usual i can do something to massage it to help lessen the pain doesn't make it go awat but its less

when my ibs says fuck you for whatever reason, all i can do is pray even though I know any god has gone deaf to my words

[fantasy-store]

Jaw, Back and Joint pain/issue flags

left: a flag for people with jaw pain and/or other jaw issues, encompassing all kinds of issues one might have be it chronic, dental, deformities etc.

middle: a flag for people with back pain and/or other back issues, encompassing all kinds of issues one might have with their back in general be it muscle, spinal, nerve, chronic, deformity, defect etc.

right: a flag for those with joint pain and/or other joint issues, encompassing all kinds of issues one might have with their joints be it wrist, fingers, ankles, elbows, chronic, arthritis etc.

these flags are exclusive to people with these issues.

transx/transid ppl do not fucking touch my posts thanks.

[affectionatepanda]

They should invent a jaw that doesn’t slip and click clack whenever I try to chew food. It huuurts.

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Solarpunk … orthodontics?

My jaw hurts.

It’s hurt for decades; I started clenching it at night when I was asleep when I was a preteen. This coincided with several factors, none of which I think are wholly the source but were probably contributors to the issue: we had just moved cities and I was under a ton of stress moving to a new neighbourhood and starting at a new school for the first time, I had just begun an orthodontics saga of many years which started with wearing headgear to forcibly shove my upper back molars further back into my skull in order to make room for the rest of my upper teeth to move backwards (with the eventual help of braces) to correct an overbite that was starting to affect my bite, and that I was an extremely anxious eldest child. Looking back, it’s clear I was on the spectrum and had a diagnosable anxiety disorder. But discovering that would be much further in the future.

All I knew at the time was that my jaw hurt. I told my dentist and orthodontist and they recommended I sleep on my back, so that I would have less chance of clenching. I did this, and still to this day must choose: do I sleep clenching my jaw, or with my mouth wide open? I have a choice between a) painful muscles or b) terrible breath in the morning + slowly yellowing teeth. Hoorah. I wasn’t given any other advice.

It is at this point that I would have liked any of the professionals involved in the process to have talked to me about the ramifications of seriously and irrevocably altering the shape of my jaw on the surrounding musculature but frankly, I’m not sure they were trained to do that. And by “that” I mean talking to children, communicating professional knowledge to a lay audience, and knowing about the muscles of the face all at the same time.

I would hope that in a future solarpunk society, there would be people with those skillsets employed by health professionals to communicate and emphasize a more holistic look at healthcare - in a way that meets people where they’re at. I was thirteen; I wasn’t ready to hear or understand even the little that dentists would tell me now in my late thirties. I needed someone skilled to discuss this with me. The braces and headgear needed to happen: my bite was getting painful, my overbite was growing so extreme. But even a knowledge of the side effects would have been empowering to me, as a child. I had very little say in any of this process, though I got to pick the colour of the elastics around my braces, yay.

My jaw still hurt.

In the early days of 2012, I woke up one morning and couldn’t chew my food without pain: not even soft foods such as pancakes were safe. I made an emergency appointment with my dentist at the time, who quickly assessed the issue and whipped up a mouthguard for me. I didn’t have insurance at the time (having aged out of my parents’ coverage, and none afforded by my college), and the dentist was sensitive to that, and gave me a discount. Bless him; I’m sure he’s long retired, but I hope that if that little family dentist office off the Danforth in Toronto is still in operation, that it’s seeing some good years.

Wearing a mouthguard every single night to bed wasn’t foreign to me, because I’d worn the retainer I was given after my braces came off religiously for many years until about two years before this. I still wear a retainer to this day: it not only makes it so that I am not clenching quite as hard, but it saves my teeth from the bone-cracking pressure. (I was informed by my current dentist that clenching my teeth is a major contributor to my receding gums, which is a current dental issue I have, yay again.)

My jaw still hurts now, though.

In that future solarpunk world, I’m sure young people wouldn’t wake up with debilitating pain in their jaw and be forced to think above all else about how this is a financial setback. In a future solarpunk world, I would hope that insurance coverage would be a thing of the past, as it would be unnecessary. I don’t know how the details of that would work out. I just know it would save so many young people from worsening the anxiety that was already so bad that it led to jaw pain.

When I moved to a new city and saw a new chiropractor, he would help me to mobilize and relieve the tension somewhat in those muscles at the end of each appointment. It helped, somewhat, especially to mitigate the damage caused by the stress of graduate school - and then a car accident, and then COVID.

I was finally diagnosed with an anxiety disorder several years ago, and though I’m mitigating it to my best abilities, I haven’t stopped clenching my jaw while I sleep, or during the day subconsciously. I’m still searching for some sort of relief other than constantly wearing my nightguard, which is just an automatic thing that I do after brushing my teeth every night. (I don’t think that this sort of wearable tech makes me a cyborg, just a boring responsible person.)

In a solarpunk world, many people are going to need dental surgery. Many people are going to need orthodontic interventions. It’s just a fact. But what can we do now to make sure that the dentists and orthodontists of the future actually work to make their patients’ lives better, not just their teeth?

This is my two cents’ worth. What do you think?

PS: I should mention that though I live in Canada, dental is not covered by our (ailing, politically besieged) social healthcare system.

[olskuvallanpoe]

I don’t even count how many ibuprofen pills I take anymore

[cheneydental]

Jaw Pain Giving You a Headaches

TMJ presents in several ways and causes a wide range of discomfort levels and jaw mobility issues. Most people don’t see a specialist until their TMJ symptoms become unbearable or overwhelming. Don't wait, seek help in recognizing the source of your TMJ and begin treatment to avoid further damage to the jaw joints or bone structure.

For more details — https://cheneywadentist.com/cheney-wa/tmj/

[house-of-slayterr]

Send help the pains getting worse and I haven’t even today but when I try it feels like I’m ripping my jaw in half 😭

[beepbeepdespair]

y'all i am fucking suffering rn. my jaw keeps locking and being really painful when it unlocks- is this how i attract peoples attention at uni. by being the beautiful but mysterious girl who doesnt speak. because she cant

[thatchronicfeeling]

Gastroparesis / Jaw Pain?

Hi Tumblr friends!  Does anyone have experience with gastroparesis and/or jaw pain? A few days ago, I took 10mg Loratadine (anti-histamine) on two consecutive days and developed what I think is gastroparesis. Slow stomach emptying, feeling full much more readily than usual, throat pain (especially when swallowing). I also had some jaw pain on my lower jaw (mostly on the left side). I woke up this morning with a very sore jaw. This is a new symptom for me. I have severe ME/CFS and POTS. Do you have any thoughts/tips? <3

[lelibug]

BATHROOM & BLACKOUTS

Blog | delphinemusic | Enduring daily #Blackouts, with the Nauseating #ChronicPain is crippling... #Fibromyalgia #chronicillness

All I wanted to do was play SIMS. Or Mass Effect Andromeda. Instead… I ended up Blacked Out for nearly an HOUR & A HALF in the Bathroom, when I was forced [by my body] to Go…. And Then – when I finally managed to literally drag myself back to The Room at 12:30am…I Passed Out/Blacked Out Once Again for Another Hour…. Coming round at 01:53am, this time. This is what I get from just needing to go…

[i-may-be-an-emu]

Dont grind your teeth if you can help it, like seriously i started grinding my teeth as a stim for when im stressed but HOOOO THAT WAS DUMB I now have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (I also grund my teeth at night aparently) and have almost constant jaw pain and annoying stuff like that. So yk. If you've started grinding your teeth, do your very best to stop it.

[whatdowemean]

My tmj ass

[happyteethcare]

The Benefits and Risks of Chewing Gum for Oral Health: What You Need to Know

Chewing gum has been a popular habit for centuries, but beyond the enjoyment, it has significant implications for oral health. In this post, we’ll explore how chewing gum can impact dental health, its benefits, potential risks, and what to look for when choosing gum to keep your teeth healthy. Benefits of Chewing Gum for Oral Health Stimulates Saliva ProductionChewing gum stimulates the flow of…

[wisdomteethremovalhomeblog]

Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Jaw pain can be an uncomfortable and disruptive issue affecting your ability to eat, speak, and even sleep. It can stem from various causes, including jaw injuries, dental problems, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Understanding the root cause of jaw pain is essential for effective treatment and management, as some conditions can be alleviated with simple lifestyle changes while others may require medical intervention.

Common Causes of Jaw Pain

1. TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the skull, and issues with this joint can lead to pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty moving the jaw. TMJ disorders are often caused by stress, arthritis, or jaw misalignment and are among the most common sources of jaw pain.

2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Grinding or clenching teeth, known as bruxism, puts stress on the jaw muscles and can lead to soreness, headaches, and worn teeth. This often occurs during sleep or as a response to stress.

3. Dental Issues

Cavities, abscesses, gum disease, and impacted wisdom teeth can all cause pain in the jaw area. These issues require prompt dental care to prevent further complications.

4. Jaw Injury

A jaw injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, can cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Sports accidents, falls, or other traumatic events are common sources of jaw injuries.

5. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Inflammation and joint wear are common in people with these forms of arthritis, especially as they age.

6. Sinus Infections

Inflammation in the sinuses, located near the jaw, can create pressure and cause jaw pain. Sinus infections are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as congestion and a feeling of fullness in the cheeks.

Symptoms Associated with Jaw Pain

The symptoms of jaw pain can vary depending on the cause and severity of the issue. Common symptoms include:

Pain when chewing or talking

Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving the jaw

Stiffness or difficulty opening and closing the mouth

Swelling around the jaw area

Headaches, earaches, or neck pain

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional, as untreated jaw pain can lead to complications.

Effective Treatments for Jaw Pain

1. Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes

For mild jaw pain, self-care can often provide relief. Avoid hard or chewy foods that put strain on the jaw, and try to minimize activities that involve extensive jaw movement, such as talking or chewing gum.

2. Stress Management

Since stress can exacerbate conditions like bruxism and TMJ disorders, stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help alleviate jaw pain. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial for managing stress-related jaw issues.

3. Physical Therapy and Exercises

Physical therapy can strengthen the jaw muscles, improve mobility, and relieve pain. Exercises for TMJ and other jaw issues, such as gentle stretching, can also be effective when done under guidance.

4. Hot and Cold Compresses

Applying a warm or cold compress to the jaw can help reduce pain and inflammation. A cold compress is beneficial for swelling, while a warm compress can relax the jaw muscles and improve blood flow.

5. Dental Appliances

For bruxism or TMJ disorders, a dentist may recommend a mouthguard or splint. These devices, worn during sleep, prevent teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the jaw.

6. Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications to help manage symptoms.

7. Surgical Options

If other treatments are ineffective and the pain is severe, surgery may be considered. Common surgical options include TMJ arthroscopy, joint replacement, or orthognathic surgery to realign the jaw. Surgery is usually a last resort and recommended only for complex cases.

Preventing Jaw Pain: Tips for Long-Term Relief

1. Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods

Foods like nuts, candy, and chewy meats put extra pressure on the jaw. Opt for softer foods if you frequently experience jaw pain.

2. Practice Good Posture

Poor posture can strain the neck and jaw muscles, leading to pain. Keep your head and neck aligned, especially during activities like sitting at a desk or looking at a screen.

3. Limit Jaw Movements

Excessive jaw movements, such as yelling or wide yawning, can exacerbate jaw pain. Be mindful of opening your mouth too wide, especially if you have TMJ issues.

4. Wear a Mouthguard

If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can prevent damage to your teeth and reduce strain on the jaw muscles.

5. Reduce Stress Levels

Stress is a major factor in conditions like bruxism and TMJ disorders. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine to keep stress levels manageable.

When to See a Specialist for Jaw Pain

It’s advisable to consult a specialist if you experience:

Persistent pain lasting more than a week

Difficulty opening or closing your mouth

Pain that worsens with certain movements

Swelling or changes in facial appearance

Headaches, earaches, or neck pain associated with jaw discomfort

A dentist, oral surgeon, or TMJ specialist can conduct an evaluation, identify the root cause of the pain, and recommend an effective treatment plan.

Jaw pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, but understanding the underlying cause and adopting appropriate treatments can provide relief. Whether due to stress, dental issues, or a TMJ disorder, there are numerous strategies to alleviate jaw pain and prevent future issues. Practicing good habits and seeking professional advice when needed can help keep jaw pain at bay and maintain overall oral and physical health.