Paci and TMJ

[little_Sasha]

Hi All,

 

I've been considering trying out a paci recently, though was wondering if you wonderful people could share your experiences using one if you have TMJ.

I found a discussion from 2014 on another site, but was keen to hear the thoughts from more current real life people.

 

Thanks in advanced.

[Guest Looby-Lou]

I had surgery on my jaw a few years ago after bilateral slipped discs. Hey, who even knew we have discs in our jaw right?!

 

I don't sleep with a paci. In fact I sleep with a retainer; to protect my jaw, not for dental care.

 

Using one during the day, intermittently, is fine for me. I actually find it can help with jaw ache! Because for me the problem is my jaw locking shut, so having something in my mouth acts kind of like a bookmark keeps the pages of a book apart - it keeps my inner jaw joint open for me. I do tend to play around with it rather than continuously suck, which possibly helps prevent TMJ problems. I just enjoy having something to play with orally.

 

I had to find the sort of teat which felt most comfortable, but tbh I think pretty much every little experiments with that.

 

It might be a  case of trial and error - but avoiding serious error! And of course, check with your doctor or dentist! No need to say it's a pacifier, you could say you tend to suck a pen, or your finger etc. Good luck and hope you can enjoy

 

Looby

Edited March 6, 2020 by Looby-Lou

[little_Sasha]

Thanks

 

I had surgery on my jaw a few years ago after bilateral slipped discs. Hey, who even knew we have discs in our jaw right?!

 

I don't sleep with a paci. In fact I sleep with a retainer; to protect my jaw, not for dental care.

 

Using one during the day, intermittently, is fine for me. I actually find it can help with jaw ache! Because for me the problem is my jaw locking shut, so having something in my mouth acts kind of like a bookmark keeps the pages of a book apart - it keeps my inner jaw joint open for me. I do tend to play around with it rather than continuously suck, which possibly helps prevent TMJ problems. I just enjoy having something to play with orally.

 

I had to find the sort of teat which felt most comfortable, but tbh I think pretty much every little experiments with that.

 

It might be a  case of trial and error - but avoiding serious error! And of course, check with your doctor or dentist! No need to say it's a pacifier, you could say you tend to suck a pen, or your finger etc. Good luck and hope you can enjoy

 

Looby

 

Thanks heaps

[Train]

I can’t sleep with one in, or even suck my thumb. I’ve tried plenty of times. I currently have Invisalign braces which also act like TMJ teeth guards at night (two for one! ) but I either hurt my thumb from unintentionally biting down too hard or my jaw gets sore from sucking the paci. And trying to relax my jaw actually makes me anxious because I have to focus on it continuously! Super bummer because I have a hardcore oral fixation and pacis are such a comfort.

 

I hope you’re able to find something that works for you. I’m also gonna try finding the right teat like the other little here advises. Good luck!

[Guest Looby-Lou]

I can’t sleep with one in, or even suck my thumb. I’ve tried plenty of times.  ... my jaw gets sore from sucking the paci.  Super bummer because I have a hardcore oral fixation and pacis are such a comfort.

 

... I’m also gonna try finding the right teat like the other little here advises. Good luck!

 

The type I use is an orthodontic teat. It's a bit flatter and angled, unlike the completely round "cherry" teat.

 

Like yourself, I'm also very oral so my heart goes out to you on this one! Would it be ok for you to use a paci very intermittently? I often have it for just 10 minutes or so and not even sucking the whole time, just playing with it. That seems to comfort me and also satisfy the oral urges temporarily, without causing any jaw pain at all. I can do that as frequently as I like.

 

And bizarrely, giving oral sex causes me no problems! (Thank you to the gods in sex heaven LOL) It's a strange phenomenon of physics perhaps. Hmm maybe I should call it "Looby's Law of Sucking" LOL.

 

I hope you can find something that works out for you, good luck!

 

Looby

[Guest Looby-Lou]

Hi All,

 

I've been considering trying out a paci recently, though was wondering if you wonderful people could share your experiences using one if you have TMJ.

 

 

 

Update: I just bought some new pacis on Amazon. These are THE BEST for me so far. Incredibly comfortable. Something about having a thinner "neck" to the teat and also the shape of the teat. During these extra stressful times we need all the comfort we can get, so am sharing in case this helps anyone else.

 

• Product Details - MAM Perfect Soothers 6+ Months (Pack of 2), Baby Soothers with Travel Case, MAM Teats and Baby Products, Pink (Designs May Vary), Article Number: SR3902G

 

Looby