Seeking Advice on Jaw Clicking and Wisdom Tooth Issues
Dear Healthcare Professionals, I am a 27-year-old female looking for some insight and recommendations regarding my dental concerns and the prescribed treatment. - Approximately two years ago, I began experiencing a clicking sensation in my jaw, which seemed to resolve itself without intervention. - Over the last five and a half years, my wisdom teeth have been emerging at a slow pace and remain partially erupted. - Specifically, my upper right wisdom tooth is positioned at an angle towards my cheek. - I previously had straight teeth during my childhood, but I’ve noticed a slight shift in one of my lower teeth recently. This has led me to wonder if my wisdom teeth might be a contributing factor. - For the past seven to eight months, the clicking in my jaw has reappeared on the right side. Although it does not cause pain, it is quite uncomfortable. Earlier this year, I experienced anxiety and a panic attack, leaving me uncertain if stress could play a role in this issue. - Additionally, I have been feeling discomfort in the gums of my lower wisdom tooth. I consulted a nearby dentist who identified an ulcer on my lower right gum, likely resulting from pressure from the upper wisdom tooth. He recommended using Rexidin-M Forte (which contains Chlorhexidine, Metronidazole, and Lignocaine) to treat the ulcer and suggested that the upper right wisdom tooth may need to be extracted. Furthermore, he indicated that the clicking sensation may be linked to the angled wisdom tooth, with the only advice being to limit mouth opening and stick to softer foods to manage the clicking. - For context, I am currently taking Levera XR 750 (one tablet daily) for epilepsy and Allegra 120 for my allergies. I have several queries: 1. Can I safely apply Rexidin-M Forte ointment on my gums considering my epilepsy medication, or is it generally safe? 2. Is it possible that my TMJ discomfort is genuinely connected to the angled upper wisdom tooth? 3. Would it be sensible to proceed with the extraction of the angled upper wisdom tooth under these circumstances? 4. Is there any definitive solution for the recurring clicking sound in my jaw? I will attempt to share a photo of my X-ray and the ointment in the comments for reference. Thank you very much for your assistance.
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 2:02:11 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed concerns regarding your jaw clicking and wisdom teeth issues. It’s understandable to be anxious about these dental matters, especially when they can affect your comfort and confidence. Let’s address your queries step-by-step, focusing on the most pressing concerns first.
Main Points:
- Using Rexidin-M Forte: This medication is generally safe for oral use, but you should double-check with your dentist or pharmacist due to your epilepsy medication.
- Connection Between TMJ Discomfort and Wisdom Tooth: Yes, the angled position of your wisdom tooth could be contributing to your jaw discomfort.
- Extraction Consideration: Extraction may be sensible to prevent further issues, but it should be carefully evaluated based on your symptoms and overall dental health.
- Managing Jaw Clicking: While there is no definitive quick fix, certain strategies can help manage the clicking sound.
Explanation:
-
Rexidin-M Forte: This ointment can provide relief for your gum ulcer due to its active ingredients. However, since you are on Levera, it's always best to confirm with a healthcare professional to ensure there are no interactions or specific contraindications relevant to your treatment.
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Wisdom Tooth Alignment and TMJ Issues: The clicking sound in your jaw (temporomandibular joint or TMJ issues) can indeed be linked to the positioning of your upper wisdom tooth. If it is causing pressure or misalignment, it could result in discomfort or clicking noises.
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Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: If your dentist has recommended extraction, it’s likely because they see the potential for further complications, like the ulcer you mentioned or alignment issues. It's important to consider how these teeth may affect your overall oral health, especially if they are painful or causing other problems.
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Solutions for Jaw Clicking: For the clicking sound in your jaw, here are some helpful steps:
- Gentle Jaw Exercises: Perform gentle stretching exercises for your jaw to reduce tension.
- Moist Heat Application: Use a warm compress on your jaw to help relax the muscles.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Given your experience with anxiety, practicing techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help manage stress, which may reduce TMJ discomfort.
- Soft Diet: Stick to softer foods to minimize stress on your jaw.
Next Steps:
- Consult with Your Dentist or Pharmacist: Confirm the safety of using Rexidin-M Forte in the context of your epilepsy medications.
- Consider Dental Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to discuss the necessity and timing of the wisdom tooth extraction.
- Track TMJ Symptoms: Keep a journal of your TMJ symptoms, including instances of clicking and pain, to help guide your dentist in assessing the situation.
Your health and comfort are paramount. If there are changes in your symptoms or if you believe they are worsening, don’t hesitate to seek further dental advice. Let me know if you need more clarification or additional support.
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