Why Does My Jaw Pop? Research-Based Explanations and Solutions
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Ever had a popping or clicking sound from your jaw while munching on a snack or in the middle of a chat? You’re not alone. This odd yet common event, known as jaw popping, hits millions worldwide. It can at times become a real bother in daily life.
This guide will take you through all details of jaw popping. We’ll unfold the science behind this strange happening and discuss its triggers, signs, and when to rush for a doctor’s help. We’ll also shed light on cure paths and any risks that may come along.
Did you know?
Let’s start with what jaw popping is all about. This term stands for a clicking or snapping tune that comes from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It often tags along with feelings of pain, stiffness, or unease around the joints of your jaw.
The TMJ is a hinge-style joint. It sits on both sides of your face, just before your ears. It links your jawbone to your skull. It helps in activities like speaking, chewing, and yawning. The TMJ’s complex form supports these tasks. Any interruption with this can result in jaw popping.
TMD stands for any issues within your TMJ or the muscles around it. They cover conditions marked by pain or poor function of the TMJ and linked parts like chewing muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Jaw popping is often a clear marker of TMD.
A variety of factors can lead to jaw popping. Some key ones include:
Arthritis can give rise to TMD and jaw popping. Swellings of joints mark this condition. The types that most often hit the TMJ are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both result in cartilage harm and poor function, leading to issues of the jaw joint.
Accidents or injury can break or dislocate your jaw. This can also give way to sounds and feelings of jaw popping. Injuries like these need immediate medical care.
Malocclusion is when your upper and lower teeth don’t align well. This causes your jaw to misalign. It, in turn, often results in jaw popping or clicking in TMJ.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a long-term pain issue. It causes pain in trigger points within muscles. MPS in the jaw muscles can lead to jaw popping.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that disturbs airflow and breathing. This stress can cause clenching or grinding of the jaw muscles, which leads to TMD.
Infection in the salivary glands or jawbone can lead to TMD and jaw popping. These must be treated promptly to stop further issues.
Tumors in your mouth or jaw can affect how your jaw works. These may affect the growth, function and movement of the jaw, which can create popping sounds.
Jaw popping may occur with or without pain, and if discomfort is present, there are effective ways to manage it. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to alleviate pain. Taking a diet of softer foods may reduce strain on the jaw. A professionally fitted mouthguard can prevent teeth grinding and minimize associated pain.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Jaw-popping may not be a hassle by itself but the way it shows up and the other uneasy signs that it may bring along may be bothersome. Let’s look at a few:
If your jaw clicks while you chew, it could point to TMD or a similar condition. Likewise, if your jaw makes a cracking sound when you yawn, it may be a sign of TMD or a related TMJ disorder.
Jaw clicking can be accompanied by pain or difficulty moving your jaw, which can be another symptom of a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
In some cases, you may feel ear pain along with jaw popping. It might mean a broken jawbone or tumour affecting your TMJ function.
In TMD becomes chronic, it may lead to your jaw being stuck in a closed or open position. Pain can occur when you try to move your jaw from the locked position. This can be highly discomforting and needs medical attention.
Actually, if the popping is because of how your bones are, there’s not much you can do to stop it. However, when you’re not eating, talking, or swallowing, try keeping your teeth slightly apart to reduce the risk of jaw clicking.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Jaw popping may not shock you on its own. But you should rush for doctor’s aid if you feel:
It’s vital to treat jaw popping and its signs promptly. This can help avoid further issues. While now and then jaw cracking may not harm, steady or worsening signs can hint at a deeper condition that needs care. Ignoring these signs can pile up more issues over time.
The way to treat jaw popping relies on finding out its root causes. It’s vital to find the main cause behind your jaw-popping signs for proper management. For this, you will require to visit your dentist who will do a physical exam or some image scans. They will then devise the management plan based on your needs.
Modalities that can help relieve jaw-popping signs include:
Make changes in your daily life as needed. Try to stay away from hard foods and chewing gum. Also avoid wide moves of your jaw like yawning. Cutting down stress can help those who clench or grind their teeth.
People facing teeth grinding or clenching during sleep could do well with a splint or nightguard. These fit over your teeth, giving a stable surface. This can help improve the lineup and stop teeth damage.
Using a mouthguard during sports time can save your jaw and teeth from injury. It can lower the odds of jaw popping symptoms.
Based on how bad your signs are and the cause, your doctor or dentist may put you on some medications. Drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help control pain and swelling. Doctors may also suggest anti-swelling drugs, relaxers for muscles, or low doses of antidepressants to ease signs.
In cases where the first line of treatment doesn’t work or the condition is serious, patients may get referred to a physical therapist. They will evaluate the system of muscles in the head and neck and suggest some exercises and stretches. They may advise the use of other physical therapy modalities such as trigger point therapy or transelectronic nerve stimulation (TENS).
6. Surgical treatments
In severe cases, people may need surgery to correct a popping jaw.
Treating jaw-popping can improve the quality of life for those who are affected. Certain measures can also be taken to lower the risk of TMD or jaw-popping signs.
With fitting cure and control, most people can see a big rise in their jaw-popping signs – leading to a much better life.
Making certain changes in daily habits and way of life can help stop TMD or jaw-popping signs. These include staying away from trigger activities like chewing gum, grinding teeth, and excessive yawning.
In the end, jaw popping is a common event that can be a bother and possibly hint at a deeper issue. By understanding its varied causes, signs, and management options, those hit by jaw popping can take suitable steps towards solving the issue and lifting their life quality. Taking preventive measures, being watchful of habits, and asking for medical help when needed can work wonders in dealing with this issue.
While now and then jaw popping may be seen as normal. But steady or worsening signs need medical care.
Shifting your jaw side to side now and then may not harm. But if you feel steady or worsening signs, rush for a doctor to check for deeper conditions.
You can bring your jaw back in line through exercise and stretches and other physical therapy modalities, but in major cases, surgery may be required. Do check with a doctor or dentist to find the right steps for your specific case.
Most cases of TMD can be managed well and resolved with proper treatment. These include changes in lifestyle, drugs, and physical therapy. If you think you have TMD, ask a healthcare professional for a proper check and treatment.
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