u/TadpoleIcy206

Hi everyone. I'm 20. I’m trying to understand whether my jaw/TMJ problems could be contributing to my speech difficulties.

I have been experiencing TMJ/jaw-related problems along with what feels like increased tension or activity in my facial and jaw muscles. I also tend to clench my teeth, especially when I’m stressed, angry, or tense.

My main symptoms are:

- Jaw/TMJ discomfort and fatigue

- Tight or overactive-feeling facial/jaw muscles

- Teeth clenching

- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds clearly (not always), especially S; I also sometimes have difficulty with L/R

- My speech tends to become worse when I’m nervous or tense

- I sometimes feel that my jaw/facial muscles are working too much when I speak

- I have a deep overbite/Class II Division 2-type bite with class I molar relation according to a previous dental assessment

I’m wondering:

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who had both TMD/jaw muscle problems and speech difficulties, rather than general TMJ advice.

Thanks!

Recently, my facial muscles and jaw ache with noticeable discomfort—especially when I smile (engaging facial muscles) or chew harder foods. I've also noticed slight speech difficulties lately.

Questions:

Has anyone with a deep bite/clenching experienced facial/jaw muscle pain specifically while smiling?

Could fixing the bite (orthodontic treatment) resolve these muscle pain and speech issues?

Should I see an orthodontist first or a specialist for jaw/TMJ issues?

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Recently, my facial muscles and jaw ache with noticeable discomfort—especially when I smile (engaging facial muscles) or chew harder foods. I've also noticed slight speech difficulties lately.

Questions:

Has anyone with a deep bite/clenching experienced facial/jaw muscle pain specifically while smiling?

Could fixing the bite (orthodontic treatment) resolve these muscle pain and speech issues?

Should I see an orthodontist first or a specialist for jaw/TMJ issues?

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

We could play chess together.