Powered By
Every once in a while I have a flare in my jaw...and let me say that's probably the worst place I've had it show up. It's terrifying when I can't properly bite down, and you don't realize how much you use your jaw until it hurts to talk or eat, or even yawn.
I have gotten that quite a few times and I completely agree about how annoying it is. To not be able to open and close your mouth in a normal away is an unbelievable feeling.
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the jaw, specifically the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Inflammation can form along the tendons, causing damage and making it painful or difficult to open the mouth. Some members have reported pain in the ear-jaw joint as part of their RA symptoms. Using a bite guard at night can Show Full Answer
My TMD, transmandibular joint dysfunction was corrected with occlusion mouth splints 20 years ago. It was a long, tedious and expensive process which repositioned my jaw. Long before RA but it hasn't bothered me in years. With the RA diagnosis, I have flares where I cannot open my mouth wide enough to chew and eat a lot of soup. I don't talk or smile. The pain is about the worst RA pain I have. I have ordered a jaw ice pack from Amazon which is terrific. Looks ridiculous, but works.
Yes. I have arthritic changes in my jaw so I can't completely chew food.
I do. The right jaw clicks and semi-locks. I can maneuver the jaw and get it to close. Not fun!
Join
Your Privacy Choices
