Hearing an unsettling clicking sound in your jaw whenever you chew, talk or yawn? Perhaps your jaw has been ‘popping’ and causing pain? If so, it’s likely due to an issue with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Show
If you’re experiencing jaw clicking or popping, read on to discover what could be causing this condition and how TMJ disorders can be treated, so you can continue your normal activities without clicking, popping or pain. What is the temporomandibular joint?Your TMJ connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones in your face, allowing your jaw to move sideways, backwards and forwards. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in your body. The TMJ is responsible for providing the range of motion you need to do things like eat and speak, as well as move your jaw during actions such as yawning or opening your mouth wide. What causes a clicking jaw?Jaw popping and clicking is caused by a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which can be caused by a range of factors including: ● Clenching your jaw ● Grinding your teeth (bruxism) ● Biting your fingernails ● Biting your lip or cheeks ● Chewing gum excessively In most cases, jaw clicking or popping isn’t a cause for concern. However, if you’re experiencing pain in your jaw in addition to the clicking sounds, you should visit your dentist to have the issue examined. Is it bad if my jaw clicks?The good news is that jaw clicking and popping is not necessarily a bad sign - it’s actually quite common and usually completely harmless. This is especially common when you open your mouth wide to yawn. It’s only really ‘bad’ if the clicking or popping comes with a painful sensation. In this case, the pain can be a sign that something is out of place, and needs medical attention to alleviate or fix. In short, clicking and popping will only really need attention if it’s causing you discomfort. If not, you can always mention it to your dentist during your next check up so they can take a closer look just in case. What causes TMJ?In more serious cases, jaw clicking or popping will be due to an underlying medical condition that has caused the TMJ issue. These conditions can include the following: ArthritisArthritis (both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis) can damage the cartilage of the TMJ, resulting in additional pressure on the joint socket whenever you move your jaw. Injury or trauma to the jawIf you dislocate or break your jaw as a result of an accident, the unhinging of the joint can lead to jaw clicking and popping. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)This chronic pain disorder is caused by repeated contraction of muscles over time, resulting in pain in the trigger points of these muscles. MPS is more common in people who engage in jobs or activities that require repetitive movements. Other symptoms of TMJ issues in people who have MPS include:● Jaw pain that doesn’t improve after a week ● Jaw pain that worsens with straining or stretching ● Painful knots in jaw muscles ● Reduced range of motion in the jaw Sleep apneaIn people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the jaw will clamp down to prevent the airway from being blocked, which results in a lot of stress on the jaw, mouth, neck and shoulders. This can result in TMJ issues. InfectionAn infection of the salivary gland can cause TMJ issues and jaw popping, as well as other symptoms such as: ● Dry mouth ● Facial pain ● Pus in the mouth ● A persistent foul taste in the mouth ● Swelling of the face and neck. If you think you may have an infection, you should see your doctor. How do I get my jaw to stop clicking?Treatment for jaw clicking, popping and TMJ disorders vary depending on the underlying cause and the symptoms. At-home remedies to relieve jaw pain include:Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. If pain persists, make an appointment to see your dentist. Applying an ice pack to the jaw for 10-15 minutes, followed by a warm compress for 5-10 minutes (can be performed several times a day). Avoiding hard, crunchy or chewy foods and stick to softer foods like yoghurt, cooked vegetables, rice and bread. Avoiding activities that involve opening the mouth too wide, such as singing or chewing gum. If your TMJ issue requires medical treatment, this may include a custom mouthguard to manage teeth grinding and jaw clenching, prescribed medications to manage the pain of TMJ disorders, and laser therapy to help stimulate movement and ease pain in the jaw. If your jaw popping or clicking is caused by dental issues such as an underbite, overbite, or misaligned teeth, we can recommend a range of treatments to help correct these conditions, from orthodontic treatments to oral surgery. Should I see a dentist for a clicking jaw?If your jaw clicks and it’s causing you pain or discomfort, you may have a TMJ disorder. If you want to have your concerns answered, speak to one of our friendly National Dental Care dentists. Find a dental practice and book an appointment today.
 Table of Contents:What is the crunching sound in my jaw? The jaw is an important bone with a function that enables us to eat, drink, speak and sing. When it is working normally, there is no pain or audible sound present. However, if pain or abnormal sounds like crunching or crackling are present, it may be indicative of a TMJ disorder (TMD), or a dislocated jaw. What is the crunching sound in my jaw? A crunching or crackling sound in the jaw can have many potential causes, ranging in severity and type. These include: Temporomandibular joint disorder — The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) attaches the jawbone to the skull. If something is wrong with this joint, it is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD can make your jaw pop or crack. Other symptoms include:– Jaw stiffness– Locking of the jaw– Limited jaw movement– Pain in the jaw, face, or neckTMD can occur without a specific cause. A contributing factor is clenching or grinding teeth, especially when subconscious.Jaw dislocation or other injury — An injury to the face can dislocate or break the jaw. A dislocation occurs when the jawbone is forced out of place or extends beyond its normal range of motion, while a broken jaw occurs when the jawbone becomes fractured. Common causes of facial injury include: – Physical trauma to the face– Vehicle accident– Sports injuriesA dislocated jaw can lead to TMD symptoms, including: – Jaw pain and cracking– Facial pain– Crooked bite– Difficulty talking– Difficulty opening or closing the mouth– Jaw lockingObstructive sleep apnea — Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when the airways in the throat are too narrow, causing breathing to become interrupted or to stop completely. People with OSA are at higher risk of developing TMD. Although the connection is unclear, researchers believe that the resistance in the airways triggers a stress response. This may cause jaw muscles to clench together. Other symptoms of OSA include: – Snoring– Daytime tiredness– Dry mouth– Shift in mood– Morning headaches
A popping sensation or sound in your jaw or near your ear when you chew, talk, or yawn may be coming from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The jaw popping sound or sensation can also be associated with pain in the upper jaw or ear and the pain can range from minor to severe. Many Central PA patients experience this type of pain, commonly referred to as TMJ pain and when it goes undiagnosed by a dentist, can cause severe pain and discomfort. While pain and jaw popping should be looked at by a doctor, jaw popping alone might not always be a cause for concern, but it is wise to mention it to your dentist during your next routine exam so they can check it out for you. Even though the cause of jaw popping and pain radiates from the TMJ, the exact cause can be linked to a number of underlying conditions including:
Arthritis associated with jaw pain and poppingSometimes jaw popping and pain in the TMJ joint can be caused by other medical conditions rather than injury or use as listed above. Various medical conditions can cause damage to bone and joint structure of the TMJ which can cause pain and popping sensations. Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause damage to the bone and joint structure in your jaw and face. Myofascial pain syndrome and TMJMyofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that occurs when a muscle is contracted over and over again, causing pain in the trigger points of your jaw and facial region. When you have these trigger points you may experience pain and popping in the jaw and other symptoms including:
Sleep apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)Obstructive sleep apnea, infections, malocclusion of the teeth, and various other conditions can cause jaw popping and require treatment by a dentist that can appropriately diagnose and treat the problem. What is the treatment for jaw popping?When you visit your dentist, they may begin treating your condition with at-home remedies including:
If the condition is more advanced or the at-home treatments aren’t working, your dentist may suggest medical treatments such as:
The good news is through proper diagnosis and treatment from a dentist familiar and experienced in jaw popping and TMJ is most often a temporary discomfort and can usually be relieved with minor treatments and lifestyle changes. Before trying to take any at-home treatments on your own, it’s important to talk to your dentist for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. If you’re experiencing jaw popping and TMJ discomfort, contact our office today and we’ll help you get in for an evaluation of the condition and begin to help you with at-home and in-office treatments to relieve your discomfort! |
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