Chewing and TMJD! Clicking Jaw...

[Keemi13 4]

HI All!

I've been searching for a related topic but couldnt find anything, so i will write my experience down here hoping anyone with same symptoms can come forward and give me advice I am now 4 months post op and doing well, with 3 fills till now

i've been having a wierd clicking sound in my jaw everytime i open my mouth a bit wide, and it is very uncomfortable hearing the sound, it started to be very loud and i thought it was coming from too much chewing, as you know you have to chew the food really well to go down properly with no stuck episodes..

the jaw stiffness has been very severe lately with a clicking jaw every time i open my mouth a bit wide, so i searched online, was fearing it might be TMJD (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction), so i went to a maxillofacial doctor, and he checked my jaws and the clicking sound, he said as long as there is no pain in certain areas where he pressed, then it should be fine.. he just said not to open my mouth too wide (for example, i need to cut an apple into pieces to eat it and not open my mouth wide and bite) and to never eat chewing gum, as too much chewing can trigger the clicking!! and that i dont need any meds at the time being.. He also mentioned that this also happens to people who grind their teeth at night, or during stressful days at work.. i've been monitoring myself and yes i do clench my teeth when im stressed, i probably do it at night, and i just cant control it. I also feel that with too much chewing its not getting any better...

Has anyone experienced this? Clicking jaws? or diagnosed with TMJ or has any problem with their jaw post op?

Just wondering..

[CherieRyde 227]

Speaking as a dental professional .. this is pretty common. We are working our joints pretty hard when chewing everything as much as we need to before swallowing. Do yourself a favor .... don't stop chewing things as much. Also, be careful of WHAT you are eating. I tried eating raw carrots the other day. My jaw started popping, so I chewed a little less. The carrot pieces (even though they were tiny) got stuck and I had to throw the carrots back up. THAT pain was worse than the TMJ issues. Also, apples with the peel are hard for our bands, and we should be cutting them anyway. Remember ... small bites, chew a lot, and be careful. I'm still learning and I've had my 1 yr surgerversary.

You've got this.

[Keemi13 4]

Thank you soo much @@CherieRyde! So good to know there are ppl out there who know what im facing! Happy 1 year anniversary! ????????