Welcome to my Lifestyle Parenting Blog, where I explore topics related to chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia while embracing a passion for yoga, books, and blogging.

Tanya Hindes 5/2/26 Tanya Hindes 5/2/26

My TMJ Journey: From Gum Pain to Jaw Lock and Surgery

I still remember writing that post back in 2013. “Ouch, my gums.” At the time, it felt like a very specific problem. Painful, frustrating, but contained. Something I thought would pass, or at least settle into the background of my life like so many other health niggles had before.

Looking back now, I can see it for what it really was. The beginning of my TMJ journey.

Tanya H 10/9/13 Tanya H 10/9/13

Ouch my gums - new gum splint to help stop me grinding my teeth

I finally got my first gum splint fitted by my NHS dentist last Tuesday, and I remember feeling so hopeful walking out of that appointment. It felt like I was finally doing something about the grinding, the clicking, the constant tension in my jaw.

That hope didn’t last long.

One night in and my gums were already in bits.