Scientifically if you grind and clench your teeth unconsciously as a way of relieving stress then you may be suffering the effects of TMJ. Symptoms include sore jaw bone area, headaches/migraines, ear aches, over developed trapezius muscles as well as taut neck and back muscles. The symptoms list goes on and on, but these are a few of the immediate symptoms that I’ve been experiencing. It seems I’ve been Teeth Mouth Jiving for a while now, so my tight muscles have extended to my mid and lower back.

I live in Phoenix in a valley that is surrounded by beautiful mountains. When traveling within the state, depending on the elevation of the route my head can feel like it’s in a vice grip. It was unbelievable. This new level of pain is new to me, so last week I laughed off the unusual feeling, though today I am told by medical professions this head squeezing will likely intensify in years to come if I don’t correct the issue. It’s time to get serious. I have got to stop Jiving around with my Teeth and Mouth. It’s what TMJ is all about. If gone untreated long enough, it’s enough to make you pout, get a root canal and/or pull all of your teeth out. I should know.

In September 2013 I was rear ended in an SUV that I was driving and suffered whiplash. Two months later I had a cavity filled and the drama began. There was a post pain like never before that had nothing to do with the cavity or the filling, but before i could figure that out (6 months or more) I had a root canal done. It was my pleasure to do if it would relieve me of the constant toothache pains I was experiencing almost daily. The root canal worked for a month or two and then the pains came back and were stronger than ever. Mostly paining me at the left jaw joint, in front of my ear. In fact, to this day, if I need to blow my nose, I have to place the first 2 fingers of my left hand in front of my left ear, or the popping and sensitivity will nearly un-glue me.

So what is this Teeth Mouth Jive all about and is there a cure? In short, it’s about how you express your stresses and no — there is no “cure,” persay, but there is a way to correct it. I am early in my journey of resolution, but like I mentioned a few days ago I have met an amazing man with an awesome team and they are quite knowledgeable on what to do, how to do it and effectively relieve, re-set and get me through this. It’s been 3 intense years that I have been researching help. I have an excellent PPO medical plan and a pretty cool Dental plan situation, but this type of issue isn’t covered under either.

Really? What medical board would know about this debilitating condition and not cover it? The answer in short: All of them. It’s just not something the insurance companies deem a necessary, however, the pain is so chronic that the medical system will allow you to receive all type of experimental prescriptions that have life stifling side effects. Surely you’ve heard the narrators of various RX commercials ramble through [FDA passed] side effects including, heart, liver and kidney failure, yada, yada, yada including loss of life — due to taking APPROVED by your doctor, prescription drugs.

Really? Over Teeth Mouth Jive symptoms? Well, prescriptions for TMJ come in the form of a valium and various injections that were offered to me by one particular professional. He referred to the valium as a “happy pill.” ? His philosophy was to inject me in my face and neck with a cocktail of different B vitamins and botox for 3-6 months while maintaining a soft food diet. The end game would be a healed TMJ joint (from not eating hard foods) and the shots would ideally help with the pain. Though I am sure my liver would be fighting a new battle of bi-product effects from all the prescribed valium I may have ingested. That did not resonate with me.

A maxillofacial surgeon told me that a mouth guard or opting for TMJ surgery (where your jaw is broken, possibly altering your smile and no guarantee that your TMJ pains won’t return or worsen) were my main options. The mouth guard was $1200 and surgery is $2500. Our insurance pays for the surgery but I am on my own if I opt to just use

the mouth guard. The insurance will not help in the meeting the cost. To be honest with you, the mouth guard sounds attractive compared to surgery and the unknowns it could render you.

Last week I found Dr. Eddie Siman and now I know about tens units (a more natural, RX-free way of relieving pain) and the necessity of a “happy bite.” Dr. Siman has a couple of ways to help me out long term. I’m excited. It’s not covered by our awesome PPO insurance, but then it’s not so expensive that it’s out of reach. It’s considered cosmetic surgery, so they offer quick application to associate DDS loan services and usually can have an answer of approval or otherwise for you before you leave the office. Me? I’m a cash kind of girl, so I’ll be hosting a bake sale soon… 😀

Hey! I need funding because my quality of life is at stake and I still want to eat steak in the face of TMJ.

I love applesauce – and I’ve been eating it a lot.
I can’t eat foods too cold, I can’t eat foods too hot.

I can’t sleep on my side, because it threatens the hinge of my jaw.
I can’t call the cops in this situation, it’s pretty much a “self assault.”

I can’t eat hard foods and crunchy foods are too rough on my gums.
TMJ can turn sour your eating hour – killing the savor of your favorite ‘yum-yum.

I thought I was alone in this dilemma and that no one could ever help me
But then I met Dr. Eddie Siman and good information has definitely blessed me.

He can help me and he can likely help you too, if you’re in this predicament.
The price is $$$ in terms of affordability – less than 6-months rent.

What’s your quality of LIFE worth? I require fine quality in my life!
I’m Qui
Done with TMJ disorder and all of this Teeth Mouth Jive. 😀

Now down to business: Should I bake chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies?