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Arthritis in JAW??

(14 Posts)
Sophiasnana Wed 18-Nov-20 09:49:50

A few months ago I started hearing a horrible grinding noise when I was eating, between my ear and my right jaw. Pain when eating too. I mentioned to my dentist (during an emergency appointment about something different) . He said if I had arthritis anywhere else, thats probably what it was. I’m now having difficulty chewing, biting anything hard. My favourite treat of chocolate kept in the fridge is a no-no! Phoned my GP and was given Celebrex tabs (NSAIDS) which I’m not keen to take due to family history of heart disease. Eating nice food is keeping us going at the moment, so Im really fed up of mushy food! Help?

BigBertha1 Wed 18-Nov-20 10:03:50

Its very painful I know. Not sure how to help really except to say mine does come and go a bit pain wise. Relaxation seems to help.

BigBertha1 Wed 18-Nov-20 10:04:28

Sorry I should have said a warm hot water bottle on it may give some relief.

Marydoll Wed 18-Nov-20 10:34:33

I have that too, it's related to my RA. It's the clicking noise, which really annoys me.
My jaw can become really tender, but it comes and goes.
You really need to go back and speak to your GP.

Puzzler61 Wed 18-Nov-20 10:40:15

I have it one one side, same side as arthritis in my lower back.
It had developed clicks, going into spasm and aching like toothache.
Dentist referred me to a Maxillo Facial specialist who gave me exercises that make it 90% better and it only flares up if I was to chew something excessively (like several toffees) which I now avoid doing.

HAZBEEN Wed 18-Nov-20 10:43:47

I have it too, a result of having my jaw broken! When I had my bottom teeth removed the dentist found my bottom jaw is out of line. It made getting the denture right a bit of a faff!
The pain comes and goes but as BigBertha said heat works well. I heat a towel up on the radiator and hold it to my jaw. Also second Marydoll go to your GP.

Puzzler61 Wed 18-Nov-20 10:54:24

Forgot to add the link to the nhs exercises I did Sophiasnana
www.esht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/0227.pdf

twinnytwin Wed 18-Nov-20 11:05:23

I've had problems with my left jaw clicking, although no particular pain. I do suffer from arthritis in some joints.
Thanks so much Puzzler61 for the exercises. I'm definitely going to give them a go.

Sophiasnana Wed 18-Nov-20 11:14:41

Thanks for the exercises, I’ll try them. As for seeing my GP? More chance of flying to the moon than getting to actually see a GP with our surgery at the moment!

Puzzler61 Wed 18-Nov-20 11:29:02

I hope you both find some relief as it’s a miserable complaint. ?

Yiayia4 Wed 18-Nov-20 11:43:46

Yes Sophiasnana I have jaw arthritis.I have psoriatic arthritis and it’s very common with it.
It’s a horrible pain I find hot and cold help a little and of course painkillers.
Mine tends to come and go.I hope you feel better soon.

janeainsworth Wed 18-Nov-20 11:45:55

I'm an ex-dentist. Don't bother going to your GP.
The exercises that Puzzler recommended will really help, provided you keep on doing them. flowers

Marydoll Wed 18-Nov-20 11:50:21

I suggested speaking to your GP, because you expressed concerns about your medication.
For someone like me, I have to alert my consultant or GP, as RA is a progressive disease.

Bigred18 Thu 19-Nov-20 03:02:20

I get that! Mine is caused by clenching my jaw at night. Sometimes its hard to lift my head off the pillow because my face/ears are hurting so much. I use a splint and a special pillow, both help.