Need some help

[RubyWitch]

Hi.........I think I have TMJ, but I've not been medically diagnosed. The symptoms all match up, so I'm pretty sure that's what it is. I know I need to see my dentist but I lost my insurance plan. He won't accept payments. Two other dentists also won't accept payments, and why should they? I haven't been THEIR patient for 20 years.
The pain began about a year ago after a few really ugly years of financial struggle, which is still going on, it's just not as bad. During that time I became a "teeth clencher." I'd wake up in the morning and have no idea why my jaw hurt so badly. Eventually I put 2 and 2 together and realized that I was telling myself 100X a day to STOP CLENCHING MY JAW. Could that be what has caused the TMJ? I've read that some sort of mouth guard would stop me from clenching me jaw at night. I imagine a dentist would want one of my kidneys for it. Sometimes I feel some pain in my throat on that side and I've discovered that if I walk around with my tongue hanging out as far as it can possibly go and wag it around, the jaw (or is it my tongue) will hurt. I feel quite stupid asking that last question as it's like the joke about the man who goes to his doctor and says "it hurts when I push here and the doctor replies, well, stop pushing there then." And can anyone tell me what will happen if I do nothing about this. Will my lower jaw just fall off some day? Anything anyone with experience can tell, I'll really appreciate.
Peace
Greenlydia  

[RubyWitch]

I got my little MedHelp reminder to come here and choose a best answer. I trust you will understand why I am not going to. It's really too bad that when MH was thinking about their "new look," they didn't decide to leave the Best Answer crap behind. I still believe it is a very negative and hurtful app.
Your answer made me feel a great deal better and I thank you for taking the time to respond. YOU'RE the best!

Greenie

[RubyWitch]

I thought I could slip in here and no one would be the wiser! But look who found me!
Thanks for your thoughts and advice, I do really appreciate them. When I first noticed this, my dormant hypochondria kicked in and I began thinking stupid stuff. Fortunately I was able to kick myself in the arse and reboot the logic app.
Relax my jaw.................LOL
I'll let ya know how THAT works out!
Thanks again, Toots
Greenie

[Jade59]

Hi there!  Clenching is exactly how one can get TMJ.  I have a bad case myself and stress is it's enemy, let me tell you.  What you could do is try an OTC one which is around $30 or so.  I've never bought one, but know some who did and you warm it up in either hot water or microwave so it's pliable and will mold to your teeth.

I had one made yrs ago by my dentist and it was several hundred dollars.  Less than $300, but worth every penny!  I also went to a specialist who DID want one of my kidneys!  His fee was $2200, but much more custom made and adjusted every 2wks as my teeth would wear it down.  

In the meantime and for relief, try to be aware of keeping your jaw relaxed throughout the day.  Maybe sounds dumb, but not as simple as it sounds.  If you do nothing about it, the problem will only get worse since you're changing the occlusion of your teeth by grinding.  

Feel better, my friend!