[Sca-cooks] Something to Chew on, literally- OT

[Laura C. Minnick]

Ok gang, a question for you-

Ennyone on-list who's had problems with TMJ? I had some dental work last
week, and something went *boink* (from trying to keep my mouth open enough,
I think)- I have a small mouth- or so they say- and I'm a 'gagger' so it
was no fun, or rather, less fun than most dentist visits are. Hurt alot the
first couple of days, then it felt a little better, then it hurt more...
feels like the hinge is popped/off track, and it won't stay where it
belongs. Today it doesn't hurt much unless I try to open my mouth wide
enough to put something in, then it sticks and won't open without a lot of
banging and popping. My ear is blocked on that side too. I'd sooner chew
ground glass than go back in to the dentist. Any grand ideas before I
resign myself to my fate and call in in the morning?

I've tried:

Big yawns (ow)
stretching slowly (bang! snap! ow!)
chewing gum
eating apples (*ow!*)
chewing dry pasta
muscle relaxants
meditating on my iniquities (hey- makes me clench my jaw- which might help!)

It would be really nice if I could get my toothbrush in my mouth without
using a shoehorn...

'Lainie
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Sometimes Life makes drastic changes without our permission...