Hi, I have an odd change in my mouth. All of my life I've had a pretty big underbite. Big enough to be able to stick my tongue out between my clenched front teeth. My boys both had them and took braces & surgerey to fix it. This morning I woke up and felt like something was different. I narrowed it down to my teeth feeling odd. Went to brush my teeth and saw myself in the mirror. My front teeth line up and actually touch when I close my mouth! Freaky!!!
I've had Sjogren's for about 2 years and its been unusually aggressive. My face and neck are swollen, but not hugely. No specific gland making a lump, etc;. Could swelling cause my jaw to shift enough to do this? I've emailed my rheumie, but it will take a few days to hear from him.
Thanks,
Patricia
I went to several dentists because I was getting a gap between my front teeth. None had any answers as to the cause of the gap. I was later diagnosed with SJS. I read a lot about dental problems associated with SJS. I had to get a retainer to help my teeth stay in line. If I don't wear it daily, the gap comes back and gets bigger.
I know this is not an answer to your question or mine, but I am learing that with SJS there are no answers!!!!
Still smiling (sometimes with a gap!!!),
jpd
Are you two sure Madonna isn't on the other side of the mirror looking at you? ;D Lucy
I'm pretty sure it's not Madonna! Sjogren's hasn't 'cured' my double chin!
I guess I should just be grateful that my bite was 'fixed' and not made worse. I was just really
surprised. Usually the swelling shifts my lower jaw over and I wind up biting myself.
Thanks ladies,
Patricia
Funnily enough, my first diagnosis was a Temporo-mandibular joint disorder. I wore a mouthguard at night for several months and went to see a specialist etc.. Now I have a diagnosis of Sjogrens (and more!), I can see there is a pattern with my jaw. When I am 'flaring', and also, sometimes, near my period, my bite gets worse and my teeth clash together (I sometimes take a chunk out of my cheek). I, too, had a pronounced underbite (don't know whether there is any connection with jaw problems). For me, if I know my jaw is suspect, I try to rest it (not much chewing, talking etc.) and then I massage it before sleeping. I tend not to use a mouthguard anymore as I know the cause and I know that it will sort of get better on its own.
I know there is a lot of information out there about TMJ. I found a few exercises to keep my muscles relaxed and stretched but you know with autoimmune disease that it's one step forward and two back sometimes. One thing I would say for a mouthguard, it gives your muscles chance to recover so maybe ask a dentist about one. You do need it to be properly fitted and not just 'off the peg'.
Good luck with it all...
Mx
Patricia,
It's not often that our sickness causes positive changes in our bodies! How neat! (wonder if there's a chance I'll wake up one day with an eyelift?)
Cheryl
I'm with you Cheryl! ;) I wouldn't mind a positive thing for a change either! :D
Patze