Why does jaw pop when chewing

You may also hear ringing in the ear on that side. Bite misalignment is a dental problem that can cause grinding and clenching of the teeth, as well. How the dentist goes about correcting a bite misalignment depends on the location and severity. In some cases, an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign will help relieve the pressure.

Reshaping or reconstruction may work in less pronounced cases or when teeth are broken or missing. Arthritis is a medical term that refers to inflammation that affects the way joints move. Simply put, the same thing that makes knees creak and elbows pop can affect the jaw joints, as well. If the dentist determines arthritis is the cause of the TMD, he may prescribe physical therapy with ultrasound to strengthen the jaw muscles.

Over the counter pain medication and muscle relaxants will also provide relief. Whatever the cause of the popping you feel in your jaw, the dentist is your first stop.

He will diagnose the problem and create a comprehensive treatment plan to help the jaw heal properly to relieve the symptoms of TMD. What Causes TMD? Usually by the time pain and popping occur; there is a physical deformity of some sort at play such as: Disk erosion Damaged cartilage Joint damage due to physical trauma The causes are not always clear cut, however. Grinding Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is one factor in the development of temporomandibular disorders.

Jaw popping in most cases may not be a cause for concern, however, those who are experiencing a pain sensation following are recommended to seek medical attention. Note: Research has shown that women may be more susceptible to TMJ issues in part because of the collagen holding the disc in the socket is anatomically different, as well as estrogen may have an effect on the joint. Those who frequently perform these actions can cause wear and tear on the joints, which result in erosion.

Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis may cause damage to the cartilage of the TMJ. Loss of cartilage means there is a law of absorption in the joint socket every time the jaw moves, causing a pain sensation to follow. Any injury sustained from a road traffic collision, sporting accidents, trips and falls or physical assaults may result in a dislocated or broken jaw. This unhinging of the joint can result in jaw popping.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder which causes pain in trigger points of some muscles. It occurs when a muscle is contracted repetitively over time or pressure is applied. It is particularly common in those who have jobs or engage in sporting activities that require repetitive movements. Studies have shown that when the throat begins to relax before an episode of OSA, the jaw will clamp down to prevent the airway from being blocked.

This applies excessive stress on the jaw, mouth, neck and shoulders, which may cause TMJ issues. Infection of the salivary gland can cause TMJ issues and jaw popping, as well as other symptoms including, dry mouth, face pain, pus in the mouth, foul taste, and swelling of the face and neck. If you suspect you may have an infection, you should medical treatment immediately.

There are a number of solutions to remedy jaw popping and treat TMJ. Depending on the cause and symptoms experienced, there are both medical and non-medical treatments available. Dr Saurabh Rai took ownership of our Gosnells clinic in You must be logged in to post a comment. Looking for something in particular? Search our articles for the answers you need!

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