Left jawbone pops out when chewing?!
Question:
Left jawbone pops out when chewing?
Sometimes when Im chewing hard stuff, my left jawbone will popout and it is VERY uncomfortable...especially because I have half-chewed food in my mouth when this happens, I actually usually panic and take my right fist and punch my right jaw side to get it back in there so I dont choke.
Anywho, is there anything I can do about this? Is there going to be long-term problems with this? (I am currently 22).
Thanks.
Answers:
it's probably TMD (TMJ)
it sounds like you're describing your jaw locking which is a symptom of Temporomadibular Joint Disorder. That is one of the most complex joints in the body and a variety of problems can take place with the functioning of that joint that can cause that problem. If you hear 'popping' or 'clicking' when you chew, if you grind you teeth at night, wake up with a head ache, have ear or facial pain...those are all other symptoms.
You dentist or physician can help you out with this. There are non invasive treatments that can range from stress management skills to creating a night guard to prevent teeth grinding and clenching that takes it's toll on your jaw joint. There are also invasive treatments that are rare but may include rather extensive surgery.
Definitely go to your dentist and talk with him or her about it, most likely they can help you.