Sudden change in my bite

[homersmom5]

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

[jpd54]

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

[eyeamdry]

Are you two sure Madonna isn't on the other side of the mirror looking at you?     Lucy

[homersmom5]

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

[Tryfan]

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

[Cheryl]

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

[Patze]

I'm with you Cheryl!    I wouldn't mind a positive thing for a change either!


Patze