Question:
Has anyone developed jaw soreness with headaches post op?

I'm a little over 9months post op and for the last month or so have had problems with jaws and teeth feeling sore and tight-like I've been chewing gum all day. PCP thinks its TMJ but dentist says no. Also having almost daily headaches.Water and protein intake upped and didn't help. Any suggestions/ideas/or fellow sufferers out there??    — Dana D. (posted on April 17, 2003)

April 17, 2003
Hi, just another possible advice, those are possilby TENSION/STRESS headaches. Do you grit your teeth?? that is another possibliity, or even the combination of both. Some people do that even when they are sleeping. I would go check out a neurologists who specializes in headaches. That way you can get a more definitive answer.
   — Kerry R.

April 17, 2003
As the previous posted stated, it sounds to me like you're grinding your teeth in you're sleep or tensing your jaw due to stress. I used to grind my teeth and I still catch myself clenching my teeth together. This in itself is not TMJ, however, I believe it can eventually lead to it. To prevent me from grinding my teeth, I was fitted with a dental appliance (mouthpiece)which I hated. I know now they sell "TMJ" mouthpieces in some stores or I've been told you can also use a football mouthpiece (the kind you heat up and bite on to fit your mouth). Ask your dentist if he's seeing any signs of griding your teeth. This can also lead to cracked teeth if it's allowed to progress. Good Luck.
   — Carolyn M.

April 17, 2003
I have been told yes I have TMJ, and no I don't from various docs, basically I beleive since they really aren't sure, but my symptoms are the same as yours....I see a real increase in pain after eating crunchy foods (pretzels, raw veggies, apples, etc... and especially gum-never chew it...) all the other posters are correct that teeth grinding really causes pain and headaches... if you're like me you don't even realize you do it... I clench all night, and all day too unless I consciously think not too....the mouthgards suck, but if you have one made by your dentist, ask for the thinnest material possible... after having two made that I could not tolerate, the dentist made one from the material they use for bleaching trays, now I can tolerate it, it's much thinner....during the day, when I'm noticing pain, I consciously work on relaxing my jaw, by placing the tip of my tongue to the first of the ridges at the top of my mouth, behind front teeth, this helps me to be able to drop my jaw and relax it....just a little trick, since it's hard for me to relax....try everything, best of luck in relieving your pain.
   — Kelly B.

April 17, 2003
I have TMJ and I have to wear a splint in my mouth at night to help relax the jaw and stop me from grinding. I can't even eat something like a sub or hotdog without breaking it into pieces b/c my mouth won't open wide enough, even has locked a few times (very painful). I have had this about 10yrs and the only time ive ever gotten a headache from TMJ is when I lock and open or from grinding(which I only do when my jaw hurts). My dentist said the same to me and now I have bone pieces coming off my jaw (surgery is next). Im always hearing my jaw pop when I talk and eat, very anoying! I would check with your Orthodontists, they took one look at my x-ray and made my splint, which helps alot, but I hear you can use the mouth guards over the counter. Also, talk to your Doctor about the headaches!Good luck!
   — Sandy M.

April 17, 2003
I agree that it sounds like bruxism (grinding teeth). I have a real problem with it and I have all the same issues and it does cause headaches. My dental insurance didn't cover a guard so I found an athletic mouth guard at WalMart that is boiled and conforms to the shape of my mouth for less than $5.00. As to the source of the problem, stress is the biggest factor but some medications can be the cause. Search on the internet under Bruxism, that's where I found my info.
   — MaryCinFL