Have You Heard of Oral Myology?

[ilsemor]

Hi, has anyone been advised to see an Oral Myologist to repattern the muscle in the face?
My TMJ specialist recommended me to see one after I questioned the spacers he was recommending to help me the the headaches and problems with my jaw. I told him that I was only chewing on side of my mouth because I have facial paralysis and I can only eat on the side which is the one that developed jaw problems and severe headaches
The weird thing is that after three weeks of not following his recommendation I received a call from that Oral Myologist letting me know that I should go to see her.  She called me at 7:30 pm....  I thought that was a desperate therapist.
It seems that TMJ is not that common on the forum and I feel that orthodontist/tmj dr. might not have enough experience with facial paralysis patients.

I'm very frustrated because in the meantime I'm spending a lot of money to figure out a way to eat on both sides and I worry that if I keep eating on just one side I will have bigger problems, I'm 48 years old, I'm worry of what could happend to my teeth and my jaw if I keep chewing in one side.

Suggestions?

[Jim Scott]

ilsemor ~

I wasn't aware of this therapy but here is a link to the website of the International Association of Orofacial Myology http://www.iaom.com/category/page/about/what-orofacial-myology that should help answer some of your questions.

Jim

[nancyann]

Hi there Ilsemor,  I have not heard of an Oral Myologist, but I have facial paralysis & have been chewing on my non AN side exclusively since 2006.
I do have my teeth cleaned every 3 months, & my hygienist has told me to try to chew on my AN side.  As you know,  food just gets stuck between
cheek & gum on that side, so I continue to chew on one side.  No problems so far...
What can an Oral Myologist do ?  I am very curious.
Thank you for this info.  Always good thoughts, Nancy
ps:  I also use Rx Colgate PreviDent 5000ppm Sensitive toothpast everynight after flossing (religiously).  Ask your dentist about this toothpaste.
I use to have alot of pain when having my teeth cleaned,  not anymore !

[ilsemor]

Well, the fact that nobody has heard of this specialist tells me that  probably has never been used to correct facial paralysis and most likely doesn't work.
It is sad how some people think they can go an fix the facial nerve, they don't understand that once the nerve is damaged very little can be done. 
Less trust to this TMJ doctor. 

I think this is my biggest frustration. 

 

[moe]

I've also never heard of oral myology,  if it's worth anything

Sure you can do facial massage to help relax, stretch or stimulate the muscle,  or go to a specialized massage therapist that deals with the mouth/cheek if you so desire.....

It is a mystery, this whole facial paralysis thing, and recovery.... see my sig!
Maureen