The jaw is incredibly powerful; it’s responsible for some of the most important aspects of life, like chewing, talking, and smiling. Many people are surprised to learn that all of those things are supported by two small joints located on either side of the face.
If you’ve noticed your jaw popping or clicking recently, that may be due to a dysfunction in these joints. If you want to know a little more about why that could be happening to you, here’s a guide that may give you some useful information.
What Causes Jaw Popping?
Sometimes, your jaw may pop as a result of opening your mouth too wide, like when yawning. This is fairly normal, and so long as it only happens occasionally, it isn’t anything you need to worry about.
However, if you find that your jaw is popping as you close your mouth, like when chewing, that could be a problem with the temporomandibular joints, those small joints mentioned earlier that connect the jaw to the rest of the face. These joints can sometimes become misaligned, causing what’s known as a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJD.
What are the Symptoms of TMJD?
TMJD is complicated, so you’d need a professional to tell you definitively that that’s what you’re dealing with. That said, TMJD is associated with quite a few symptoms. In addition to jaw popping, TMJD is often associated with radiating pain when opening or closing the mouth. Moreover, the popping or clicking itself should come with a fair amount of discomfort.
The TMJ are also located right next to the inner ear, which means that TMJD can also be associated with headaches, dizziness, and hearing problems.
How to Treat TMJD
If your dentist believes that you’re dealing with TMJD, they’ll be able to help you. This usually entails an oral appliance that can be worn to bed which will subtly repair the alignment of your jaw as you sleep. It may also be a good idea to adjust your diet to ease the pressure on your jaw. This can involve eating softer foods that require less effort to chew.
If you find your jaw is popping painfully, there’s no harm in talking to your dentist. They’ll be able to screen you for TMJD and to help you feel a little more comfortable.
About Our Practice
At Baltimore Dental Arts, we’re happy to offer our patients a level of dental care that they’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Whether you’re in need of a simple checkup or serious repairs to your smile, we’re confident in our ability to give you the treatment you need. We have four incredible dentists on staff, each of whom is an expert in their own right, who will collaborate to give you the dental care you deserve.
If you have any questions about jaw pops or clicks, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (410) 372-0202.