TMJ problem (I hope)

[Toffeeapple]

Hi every one i'm new here I've only just joined.
I've had a bit of a jaw problem I was wondering if anyone else got something similar or ever heard of such symptoms.
Basically I started having random toothaches recently, nothing major but when I looked at the teeth they seemed fine and I've just recently been to the dentist anyway. I found that everytime I talked a lot I sometimes experienced jaw aches and I've also developped sensitive teeth (never EVER got that before).
So I got so worried (I had to have a tooth extracted after the birth of my daughter I'm assuming it's gonna happen again now that I've had another baby) that I started flossing my teeth frantically, obviously causing my jaw to open extensively and for a long time. On the second day of doing that, I was happily on the internet when I suddenly experienced tingling on the left side of my face and my ear and cheek went bright red and hot.
I really got quite scared. The day after the tingling didn't come back but I kind of still had a numbness on the left side, not a numbness but more like a weakness.
I phoned the doctor who told me she thought it might be the aura before a migraine as I got a headache afterwards (and I get migraines) although I never got that kind before.
I've read about TMJ and appear to have all the symptoms but it's just that numbness/weakness which is now situated around my top and bottom lip (just the left), left cheek and even left temple. I was wondering if anyone had any information about that.
I clench my teeth A LOT when I'm anxious, in fact I really had to stop myself from doing it today. I also hear a strange noise in my jaw (both sides) especially when lying down at night and when I chew my tongue and jaw seem to get really tired, especially for the past couple of days.
P.S: The first incident occured on Thursday afternoon of last week.
Thank you for your help.

[nomorepanic]

Sounds like the teeth clenching is causing your pain to me.

Has the doc diagnosed TMJ at all?

[Toffeeapple]

Thanks for your reply Nicola, no I litterally had a phone conversation with her, and she kind of sounded like she wanted to get rid of me (I suppose I have a reputation of worrying irrationally).
To be honest with doctors I kind of give up, when I go and consult them (which is often) I don't believe their diagnosis anyway and I feel like they're only trying to get rid of me. Even when I told them about my potential health anxiety they seem COMPLETELY desinterested like they'd never heard of that condition before. I say "they" because I always go and see different doctors to get different opinions :blush: and I'm never satisfied with one particular doctor.
On this occasion, I really need to consult again I think, because it's becoming an obsession, I'm really worried that one side of my face is gonna be paralised for ever, as it doesn't seem to get better.
I asked my uncle who is an iminent psychiatrist yesterday about it, and he told me that it is probably TMJ and to take some aspirin, but at the end of the day he's not a GP and I can't help doubting him (I"m bad aren't I) :blush:
Anyone out there with some thoughts about this numbness?
It's not a numbness exactly, the only way I could describe it is my top and bottom left lip feels bigger than the other side and weaker, but when I look in the mirror it doesn't seem any different. My left temple feels different as well and left eye.
Please help!!!! :sad:
I can't afford to spend too much time worrying about this I've got 2 small children to entertain.
Lisa

[anxious]

Hi Toffee,

i've had a problem with my teeth/tongue/jaw for about 5 years now. I self diagnosed TMJ and no one has been able to prove me wrong. I've seen dentists, doctors and a specialist. They've all said they can see nothing to make it ache at all and just said it was anxiety.
My tongue, lower lip and jaw at the right side kinda feel numb but hurts too :huh: I chew on my tongue and used to spend hours looking at my face (and the inside of my mouth) which only made me worse.
Its eventually subsided and only appears if im really stressed ofr thinking about it (like now :ohmy: )
I use heat packs and chew gum for relief. I have a mouth guard to stop me grinding my teeth (hardly wear it). The one thing that has helped me is a tip i learned whilst searching the internet. To stop yourself clenching your jaw (you would be surprised how often you do it) get into the habbit of resting the tip of your tongue on the top of your lower teeth (front). It really helps, i do it when driving/computing/ironing/watcching tv etc. Its impossible to clench whilst doing this,

love anx xx

[Toffeeapple]

Thanks Anx, you reassured me a bit. Considering the amount of looking, prodding, stretching, grinning I've done I don't supposed I've helped it either.
I've caught myself clentching my teeth a lot recently and my jaw especially on the left side feels so tight and tired now. Only yesterday did I start to take it easy and tried not to think about it but I still have that kind of numbing/weakness. I'm gonna give it a few more days of rest and if it's still there I'll go and see a doctor. (God that's the most sensible thing I've ever said! Will I stick to it though.)
I'm following your tip of resting my tongue on top of bottom teeth and I haven't clenched my jaws so far. I'll see what happens.
I get good and bad moments when I feel completely happy and not worried, and then fall back into this total despair of thinking there's something seriously wrong with me.
:weep: