Tmd/tmj Link?

[Guhlia]

Is there any link between TMJ and Celiac? I have been having an aching pain in my jaw lately and I think it might be TMJ/TMD.

[jerseyangel]

Hi Angie,

Someone just asked about this the other day. I don't know if there's any link, but I see it mentioned here from time to time.

I was diagnosed with TMJ Disfunction about 3 years ago by my Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. He said I was a "classic case". I also saw a Chiropractor/Accupuncturist who confirmed it.

I had an ache along my left jawline (that I'd had on and off for some time). I origionally thought it was a toothache, but the teeth there were fine. I also had soreness across the back of my head (skull) and shoulders which always felt better after a shower.

He suggested some things that might be helpful--take Tylenol or Advil when needed, use a warm compress, eat soft foods when it's painful, and massage the joint. I do notice mine gets worse after I've eaten something chewy or crunchy.

He also had me get fitted for a mouth guard--I went to my dentist for that. I use it during the night, and it does help. I was supposed to wear it as much as possible, but I really only use it while sleeping. If I slack off on using it, the pain will come back after a while.

[Guhlia]

Thanks Patti. I actually did some snooping around online and found a few articles that linked Celiac and TMJ. I'm pretty sure that's what's going on after your description. Mine is also on the left right at the joint and then the pain travels down into my neck and up into my eye. It's never severe pain, but it's starting to wear me thin. I'm currently taking Tylenol (pregnant) because I have a cold and a fever and I'm trying to keep the fever at bay. It definitely hurts worse when I'm eating so I've been trying to do easy foods like cottage cheese and applesauce. I think I'm going to wait and see if the pain subsides with the cold, but I doubt it will. It doesn't seem to be related. I guess we'll see. At first I thought I had an abscessed tooth or something, but I played with all of my teeth and none of them hurt at all.