TMJ/TMD and going to Australia on a working holiday — leaving in a week and getting really nervous
Hi everyone! I’m a 23-year-old Korean woman, and I’m going to Australia on a working holiday in just one week.
I’ve wanted to go to Australia for a long time, and I finally got the opportunity to do it this year. I’ve been really excited about it, but now that my departure is only a week away, I’m suddenly getting really nervous because of my TMJ/TMD issues.
My bite feels slightly uneven, and I sometimes have jaw and tooth discomfort. I’ve been seeing an oral medicine specialist in Korea, and they told me that my jaw condition could potentially get worse.
I don’t have severe symptoms like my jaw locking, dislocating, swelling, or being unable to eat. I’m also planning to bring plenty of my usual medications with me, just in case I need them while I’m in Australia.
But my biggest fear is that my jaw might suddenly get much worse or dislocate while I’m in Australia, and that I’ll be in severe pain and not know what to do.
Has anyone here had TMJ/TMD or bite problems and still gone to Australia on a working holiday?
How was your experience? Did your symptoms get worse after moving to Australia, or were you able to live and work normally while managing your TMJ?
I know everyone’s situation is different, but I’d really love to hear from people who have been in a similar situation.
I’ve wanted to go to Australia for so long, so I really don’t want my TMJ issues to stop me from going. I’m honestly pretty scared right now, especially because I’m leaving in only a week.
Thank you so much!
Posted Aug 11, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC