Thursday, February 16, 2012

Saturday, April 25, 2009 David in Orlando asks

Q: Would TMJ affect the inside of my mouth and salivary gland?

The left side of my face ONLY is affected.  It feels like- but I can't be certain- my salivary glands are involved.  I was wondering if TMJ would cause a symptom like that?  I have NO PROBLEM with producing saliva, it just feels like my salivary gland near my left ear and cheek tingles and is full of cotton.  My face still has sensation, but inside my face feels weird- like it is stuffed with cotton or something.  It moves around too.  One day it is near my left eye, the next day it is near my chin/upper lip.  This is the left side ONLY.  Can TMJ do that?  Since this sensation, I have developed tight jaw hinges and they are painful- both sides.  I am just worried that I have something wrong with my salivary glands and would be relieved to know that TMJ can cause this type of sensation.  My upper side teeth also seem to cause abrassions on the inside of my cheek when I smile a lot or sip from a straw.  I rinse with Listerine and it stings on the inside of my mouth where my side upper molars hit my cheek.  So do I have a problem with my salivary glands or is it TMJ?  HELP!

Answer This
Answers (3)
4/26/09 12:07am

I really can't tell you if it is due to salivary gland problems or to TMJ but TMJ can cause many different symptoms including those associated with the salivary glands. Those glands are right near the hinge of the jaw and they easily be affected by problems in that area. If you don't have dry mouth then you don't have the most common disease of the salivary glands - Sjogren's Syndrome.  From what I've read TMJ pain is often one-sided.

 

Is it TMJ or something else? Be sure to get a thorough examination from your doctor.

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/tmj-38544-5.html

Reply
1/ 8/10 9:47am

First- thank you SO MUCH for responding to my comment.  Symptoms aside...there doesn't seem to be any doctors out there that are "detectives" any more.  I have been to my PCP, a Neurologist (a joke), and an ENT.  I've had an MRI and a CT scan....only to have MS ruled out and diagnosed with Chronic Sinusitis.  Now this may seem like "detective" processes to you, but what I mean is that I can't seem to find a doctor to LISTEN to what I'm saying my symptoms are and explore those connections- instead of trying to fit me into a "box" of past patients.  You know what I'm saying?

 

That being said, everything seems to get going on the left side of my face when I smile excessively (I'm in HR- I have to smile a lot ;0) ) or when I lay on the left side of my face or even when I drink a soda.  It is on the inside of my cheek- where the upper back row of teeth hit the inside of my mouth- and I am thinking it's where one of my salivary glands empties into my mouth because when you stick a finger inside there and rub the inside of my cheek you feel a small bump that feels like a duct.  The effect is a stinging sensation or a tingle that can sometimes run up the INSIDE of my face in a narrow line.  There is NO surface sensation of my face issues.  Another symptom is when I lay on my back in bed, it feels like the left side of my face "droops" or is "weighty".  When I stand up from laying down, it feels like a weight is pulling on parts of the left side of my face.  Very odd sensation.  I have been to a TMJ doctor that diagnosed me with TMJ, and I have had a "pop" or two in the left hinge of my jaw.  The worst is when I "fish" for food in the crevices of my teeth with my tongue- that is now a big no-no...that really gets the hinges of my jaws in an uproar.  I recently canceled my appt with the ENT doc because he wanted to guide a needle up my salivary gland duct on the left side to see if it was clogged, but I have issues producing saliva at all- hence the reason I canceled my appt.  I am at my wits end at this point.  Scared to smile too much...scared to lay on the left side of my face...just scared really.  Any thoughts or guidence?  Would an Ultrasound of left side of my face help at all?

Reply
2/ 7/12 2:23pm

I have exactly the same symptoms. It has been going on for a year now. Had CT scans Ultrasounds, etc. What did you find out? Help please!

Reply
2/13/12 8:15pm

Feel free to call me.  Not sure what state you live in, but I am in Florida so call me anytime between 9:00am - 8:00pm (EST).  My cell is (redacted).  If you can't call let me know and I will respond back to you here.  Look forward to hearing from you...

 

David

Reply
1/ 7/10 9:10pm

David, I am having EXACTL these symptoms.  Did you ever find out what was causing this.  I am at my wits end.  I go for an MRI tomorrow.  Could you please call me  703-589-6474 to discuss.  I would REALLY appreciate it.

 

Thanks!

 

or e-mail me @ lapetite452003@yahoo.com

Reply
1/ 8/10 9:06am

Hello:

 

I want to call you, but I noticed you have a long distance area code and didn't want to call you too early in the morning!  Email me when it is a convenient time for you to talk.  I will call you then!

 

David

Reply
1/ 8/10 1:56pm

David, I am at work now and you can call me @ 703-805-5496.  I will be here for another 2 hours and then you can call me @ 703-589-6474.  I have my MRI @ 5 PM EST today so in 3 hours.  Someone else has e-mailed me with the same problem.  Look forward to talking with you

 

Pam

Reply
2/28/10 7:55am

the pain is in side my mouth on inside cheke and it comes and go

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (9577) >