When i move my jaw from side to side, it cracks/pops?!


Question: When i move my jaw from side to side, it cracks/pops?
This happens rarely, but its been happening since around 2 months ago i believe. Basically from time to time, mostly when i wake up, i hear a cracking sound under my right ear when i move my jaw side to side. Recently it also happens when i eat. Additionally, if i close my mouth in a specific way i also hear a kind of sliding sound under my right ear, almost as if air is coming out. This kind of worries me. Should i be worried? and how can i fix this?

Note: I don't feel any pain

Thanks

Answers:

Dr Akhil does not know anything about TMJ so ignore his answer. Normal TMJs, like any other joint in your body, do not make any noises at all when they function. When a joint makes noises it means that there is pathology present. In the jae joint this is called a temporomandibular joint disorder (aka TMJ). One way to self diagnose yourself is to insert your pinkies into your ear canals with the soft part facing forward and open and close your mouth. If you feel any popping or clicking then you have TMJ. Early TMJ disorders usually do not exhibit pain, that comes later. If have no clicking/popping and you only have problems when you wake up in the morning, then you most likely have a secondary TMJ that is caused by clenching/grinding of your teeth while asleep. Secondary TMJ is a TMJ condition that is brought about by some external factor and you have normal TM joints to begin with. You should see a dentist who knows how to treat TMJ disorders (not all do) to find out why your jaw is dislocating. When your TMJ makes noises it usually means the articular disk within the jaw joint is dislocating whenever your teeth are together and goes back into place when you open again. It would be in your best interest to avoid oral surgeons, traditional orthodontists, and dentists who tell you what Dr Akhil posted. BTW, stop moving your jaw sideways; all this will do is aggravate your condition.

functional orthodontist; treated TMJ since 1984



sounds like tmj disorder. The TMJ is the joint that opens and closes your mouth. If you are mostly hearing it in the morning I wonder if you have started grinding your teeth? Do you ever wake up w headaches, facial pain, or sensative teeth? Either way it is best to seek help from a dentist. They may recommend a night guard or bite splint to keep you from grinding and damaging your teeth and to help your muscles and tmj to relax st night.



its the normal TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) sound.
only if the clicking and popping is associated with pain,then you should be worried.
you can try doing warm salt water rinses at night before going to sleep.this helps in good blood circulation to the joint and the clicking reduces.



I have this problem too. I went to a dentist who's also a jaw specialist. He said my jaw is broken from when i was born.. he gave me some exercises to strengthen my muscles and a plastic brace to put on when im asleep.,.. it didnt help much though... :/




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