Clicking and popping sounds are expected when they’re coming from your popcorn maker or when you’re a little overzealous with a balloon. But when it comes to your jaw, silence is golden. If you notice any weird sounds when you open and close your mouth, it’s natural to be concerned. Here’s why you could be hearing them, and what you can do to silence them!
Why Does My Jaw Click or Pop When I Open and Close My Mouth?
There are many reasons why your jaw could make noise when opening and closing your mouth. Most likely, however, it is related to your temporomandibular joint. This is what connects your mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bones on the sides of the head, allowing you to open and close your mouth to do things like eat and speak.
Sometimes, the temporomandibular joint can become misaligned. There are many reasons this may occur, including:
- Trauma to the bone
- Dislocation or a displaced disk
- Arthritis
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
Known as a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), these conditions are typically more common in women, as the collagen which holds their disks is anatomically different and more susceptible to this type of strain.
Other Signs of TMD
In addition to clicking and popping when you open and close your mouth, there are several other warning signs of a TMD, including:
- Lockjaw or stiffness.
- Pain that radiates through the face, neck, shoulders, or back.
- Frequent migraines.
- Tinnitus (ear ringing), dizziness, or hearing loss.
- Sudden bite misalignment.
If you notice any of the above, or other symptoms that could indicate a problem with the jaw, speak to your dentist about being evaluated for TMD.
How Can I Treat TMD?
Your dentist is the best person to determine how to treat TMD. This can be done with a combination of options, including an occlusal splint, equilibration or occlusal adjustment, and BOTOX injections in the temporomandibular joint. While not all options will work for each patient, your dentist can help find a formula that works. Additionally, you can lessen discomfort by doing the following:
- Eating a soft diet.
- Applying warm or cold compresses to the face.
- Avoiding extreme jaw movements such as chewing gum, yawning, and singing.
- Muscle exercises.
- Over-the-counter pain reliever.
Remember, if you are experiencing clicking and popping when you open and close your mouth, it could be related to your temporomandibular joint. While in many cases it may be temporary and might never worsen and could even clear up on its own, if it is causing you any discomfort or is accompanied by other symptoms, speak to your dentist today about being evaluated for TMD.
About Our Practice
At Aspen Hill Dental Center, our team of skilled and caring dentists understand that a noisy jaw can be more than just odd sounding, it can also be painful and indicate a problem with the temporomandibular joint. Don’t let these symptoms keep you from eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably. Schedule an evaluation for a TMD today and protect your jaw from the dangerous effects of a temporomandibular joint disorder. To book your appointment, visit our website or call us at 301-871-8000.