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I have also been diagnosed with tmj and had custom splints made that I was suppose to wear 24/7. However, it gave me burning mouth syndrome. I think anxiety is also triggering burning mouth now. I do wear the splint at night but can not wear during the day. I had an MRI and they say my right side is truly degenerative from arthritis. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the worst, I am almost at a 5. Other side seems to be okay. However I have had head pressure for 4 months and nobody seems to know the cause. Has anyone else experienced this. I am 72 and the oral surgeon kept saying that the surgery would be risky and didn't seem to want to do it. However, I can't live like this. Any help?
Replies to "I have also been diagnosed with tmj and had custom splints made that I was suppose..."
@trixie1 I'd like to extend my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
You are experiencing terrible symptoms related to burning mouth syndrome but your surgeon does not want to do surgery due to the risks. You are looking to connect with members like you.
Below I have linked two previous discussions related to Burning Mouth Syndrome. You may want to scroll through the past posts to find previous suggestions and information.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-mouth-syndrome-215326/
- Burning Mouth Syndrome or Neuropathic Burning Mouth Syndrome.https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-mouth-syndrome-or-neuropathic-burning-mouth-syndrome/
May I ask if you have considered a second opinion and/or alternative pain relief options?
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@trixie1 -TMJ is tricky. Everyone has a temporal mandibular joint, so it’s actually called TMJ-disorder.
Be thankful that the surgeon was honest and recommended against surgery. Sometimes knowing the why/how a muscle works in the body can help to better ease our minds and to understand what is happening. The jaw/temporal muscle is the strongest in the body. This is where most people when stressed or have anxiety hold the tension. The pressure is caused from muscle tightness. It’s actually more like a tension headache than actual real pressure inside your head. This joint, when can cause all kinds of pain when under mechanical stress. I would work with someone who specializes in Biofeedback, muscle relaxation exercises, and possibly assessing at how you handle/stress. It’s easier said than done yes. But slow changes over time will help your entire body. Even a mouth guard only helps at night. But does not get to the root cause as to why you have created a pattern of tightening this muscle. Make sure you are incorporating as many things that bring you joy and lessen stress. Regular exercise also helps this area.