tmj

I had a TMJ several years ago and it was an agonizing experience. I remember applying hot compress to my left jaw and after about a week the tension eased. However, I still notice that my face is somewhat uneven now. I've got my left jaw protruding a little more than the right one but it's not very obvious. A dentist friend told me that it can be treated with something like a retainer to be installed in your mouth. Don't really know how it works but apparently it will put the jaw back to its original position. Never heard of an operation though.

it may help to reduce the frequence and severity of the joint pain if you wear a guard on your teeth (like what the sports players wear) at night, your dentist can make one up for you or you can buy a kit in the sports dept. basicly you put the form in hot water for a few seconds and when it is soft and pliable you put it in your mouth and bite down for a minute or so - then it hardens in the shape of your teeth. Wearing this night guard has proven to help people stup bruxating (grinding) their teeth. People who grind their teeth during their sleep often have TMJ problems as a result.