Painful Jaw!

[indieanna86]

Hi All,

Since I was a kid, I've been cracking my jaw, I know you shouldn't but these days I'm really not aware that I'm doing it so it's quite hard to stop!

Anyway, yesterday I started chewing on a soft cereal bar and had an almighty pain shoot through my jaw joint on the left hand side. Since then it's been quite painful and I'm finding it really difficult to eat anything without being in pain. I can open my mouth fully without pain, but it does feel like the left joint is being pulled or stretched.

Is this something that's likely to heal itself or should I see someone about it? And should it be the Doc or the Dentist?

Any advice much appreciated - thank you!

[LoftyLottie2]

I would see a dentist. They are more knowledgeable about these things and can refer you to an oral specialist. I have the same problem due an 'overbite' and a previously dislocated jaw.

[chinadog]

.It's your jaw joint indie otherwise known as TMJ something like " Tempo something joint disorder" I cant spell the 1st word sorry. I've had this for years and part of my problem is because I grind my teeth " Bruxism" in my sleep. Your dentist can get you a brace made to measure. I get earache with mine,its a flippin nuisance.

[tamborine]

See a dentist as with age some peoples teeth compact, this causes jaw stiffness & pain.

[indieanna86]

Hi again guys,

Just a quick update, I haven't been to the dentist yet, partly because I'd hoped this would go away on its own and partly because money is a bit tight right now.
Anyway, I'm still getting the pain but I've noticed it's not really near my jaw joint (by the ear) it's lower down. I'm not sure if this is normal, I assume it is, but if I press down on my lower jaw and feel around a bit, there's what feels like little ball bearings or something. It's this part that hurts when I chew and if I press down it kills.
So do you think this is still something that the dentist can help with or would the doctor be a better option?
Not being able to eat properly and enjoy my food is getting quite annoying now : /

[sqad617]

indie....description rather unclear, but just one point.....are you describing a swelling?

[indieanna86]

Sorry, its really hard to explain but no, there's no swelling at all!

[sqad617]

no idea.....make an appt. to see your GP.