I also have TMJ disorder, and while they claim it's acute, it's been every single day of my life for about 12 years now. Its the worst when my jaw pops out of place, my dentist showed me how to pop it back in. I would talk to your dentist, they have special mouth guards for you to wear at night to prevent grinding and clenching, which are supposed to help. I had a hard time tolerating them, however, and the custom-fit ones are expensive. My chiropractor does treatment for it, but I haven't done it yet so I can't comment on that. I went to the orthodontist to get the mouthguard I did have, and there are many orthodontists out there who treat TMJ. As you know, there's no cure and unfortunately this shit costs money (I've never met anyone with decent dental insurance in the US).
Here are some living with TMJ tips I've been told/read about/have found useful over the years:
- don't chew gum, it's extremely irritating and will make your jaw sore.
- when you are driving/at the computer/doing things where you may normally clench your teeth, try to hold your mouth open a bit. This takes a little practice, since the movements tend to be subconscious, but it does help.
- if you are really hurting, an anti-inflammatory does wonders, NSAIDs in particular --- personally I prefer ibuprofen.
- avoid eating large sandwiches/burgers and other foods where you have to fully extend your jaw...I know this leads to mine popping out of place and honestly, it hurts like fuck when it happens.
I'll add more to this if I think of anything else...stress and anxiety definitely make it MUCH worse, since you are clenching your teeth more and irritating the TMJ joint by doing so.
