Reasons Behind Jaw Clicking And Popping

If you are someone who notices jaw clicking and popping, it could be for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, people experience clicking and popping because of a chronic issue with the joint in the jaw. However, because the jaw is a complex area, the joint might pop or click from time to time and then stop suddenly.

Typically, people report jaw popping when the mouth is wide open or if there is a displacement within the cartilage. Clicking that happens all or most of the time may be a sign of a disorder, jaw trauma, improper alignment or even bone loss.

Why Does my Jaw Pop?

There are many people who wonder why their jaw pops but never find an answer. While temporary jaw popping is annoying, constant jaw clicking can also be irritating.

Temporary jaw popping may go away in a few weeks or months. If the popping persists or gets worse, you can call Gables Sedation Dentistry.

People of every age and gender experience jaw popping for a variety of reasons. These can include:

• Repeated jaw popping
• Teeth grinding
• Excessive gum chewing
• Nail biting
• Clenching the jaw
• Biting the inside of your mouth
• Bone loss
• Muscle trauma to the jaw
• Inflammation
• Stiffness or injury

What is Clicking Jaw?

If you notice that the jaw popping is getting serious, you could be suffering from something known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) or clicking jaw. After an examination, a dentist can tell you if you have TMD. In the meantime, check for these most common signs of TMD:

• Pressure or pain behind your ears
• Severe and/or persistent headaches
• Popping or clicking when chewing
• Trouble opening your mouth fully
• Pain when yawning
• Locked jaw
• Tenderness or pain in the muscles of the jaw
• Change in your bite

Reducing Jaw Popping and Clicking with DIY Remedies

There are several ways to reduce the problematic issue of jaw popping. Here are just five DIY remedies for painful, irritating jaw clicking and popping:

1. Heat and ice

Take an ice pack and place it over your jaw for 10-15 minutes. Then, apply a warm compress to the same area for five to 10 minutes. This alternative therapy can be done as many times as needed.

2. Avoid irritation

Do not chew hard or crunchy foods, gum or ice if you want to eliminate symptoms of jaw clicking and popping. Instead, try to relax your jaw by avoiding foods that irritate your jaw and eat soft or liquid foods whenever possible.

3. Stretch

There are some facial stretches that may help reduce the pain of clicking or chronic jaw popping. For some people, jaw massage is also helpful. Remember to always stay within a comfortable range of motion when stretching your jaw.

4. OTC

Over-the-counter medications including pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS ) can help relieve pain and swelling of your jaw. There are additional options for anti-inflammatory relief in the OTC section of your local pharmacy that may include curcumin, Omega 3 and CBD.

5. Quit bad habits

Bad habits can lead to jaw clicking and popping for some people. If you suffer from chronic stress, clench your jaw, grind your teeth or have another habit that causes jaw clicking or popping — stop. There are many medical treatments and therapies that can help you kick bad habits that cause or worsen jaw clicking and popping.

Gables Sedation Dentistry is Here to Help

Talking to a qualified professional about relieving TMD symptoms or reducing the severity of common jaw clicking and popping is extremely important.

Feel free to call the office of Gables Sedation Dentistry today to speak with a professional. Schedule an appointment and ask all of the questions you have about your jaw problems. Find out more about the reasons behind your case of jaw clicking and popping to get the best possible results. In some cases, solutions may include therapy or minor arthroscopic surgery.