Dentist!

staceyh

Hi just wondering for anyone whos arthritis affects their jaw how do you manage to go to the dentist have not been in far too long because I cant get my mouth open wide enough!!

Any suggestions??

Thanks

magenta

Hello,
I have temperomandibular joint dysfunction and OA of jaw (recent diagnosis) and I got a splint to wear at night. It's helped alot but I still can't open my mouth wide. It was my dentist who referred me to a consultant that eventually diagnosed me. My dentist knows now what's wrong with me and is very understanding. She takes her time and gives me lots of breaks. I thankfully haven't needed any treatment so far but I'll worry about that when the time comes. All I can say is, tell your dentist about problem and he/she should understand and try and make you as comfortable as is possible. I've heard others go to hospital to get some treatment. Hope this helps? Try not to worry, I know when I do, it makes my jaw worse.
Take care,
Magenta xx

tjenny54321

I too have this problem and my dentist tries to keep my appointments as short as possible. Don't know any real solutions apart from taking your pain relief to the maximum. Sometimes wish I could do without. Doesn't help that I have a sweet tooth