Why Does My Jaw Keep Popping?

Posted by MBrace Orthodontics on February 28th, 2017

If you are looking for an orthodontist in Falmouth, you need to check out the services of mBrace Orthodontics. The following article will give you some basic information about jaw popping and clicking.

Overview

If your jaw is popping, clicking or seems to lock up, it is very likely that you have TMJ (which can be very painful, especially the longer the problem is going on). One thing that you do need to know is that your orthodontic treatment that you have made in the past did not cause nor is it going to cure any of your TMJ disorders that you currently are having. If you do have malocclusion it cannot be linked to a higher prevalence of joint problems. There are not any kind of links between in the use of headgear, teeth extractions, rubber bands, oral surgery or any other kinds of dental treatments and TMJ problems.

Other Conditions

There are many conditions that can cause pain in the area of the TMJ but they are not related to your teeth. Some of the conditions can be serious (i.e., arthritis and cancer). Others conditions may be related to functional habits (i.e., clenching and grinding). Cross bites and open bites may be linked to joint problems but not all of them are going to give you TMJ. Most patients who come into a Falmouth orthodontist have bad bites but they are not going to have TMJ pain. Many patients who report severe TMJ pain are going to have ideal bites. For this reason, TMJ and orthodontics are separated from one another.

Joint Issues

Jaw joint issues can involve muscles, ligaments, tendons andthe cartilages associated with the joints. Some joints are going to make noises or move roughly because of their shape and size.

Cause of Jaw Noise

Jaw joints have two bones that come together with a piece of padding between them. As the joint functions, the muscle pulls on the disc to keep it centered between your two bones. When it works correctly, it is silent.If the ligament is loose so that it does not hold the disc in the right place,you are going to hear a pop when it pops back into place when the ligament finally applies enough tension. Your ligaments can be naturally loose, get loose during childbirth or become damaged by trauma. Your jaw muscles are going to pull too much if they have been busy chewing, clenching or grinding. Clenching or grinding your teeth and jaws can actually cause spasms in the chewing muscles which can be painful as well as pull the disc forward. Do not clean or grind your jaws or teeth!

Conclusion

Nearly one-half of American women report they have had a pop or a click in their jaws while about one-fourth of the men report the same. More than 50% of TMJ symptoms are attributable to stress alone. TMJ conditions are going to warrant treatment from your Falmouth orthodontist but most popping and clicking is not serious.


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MBrace Orthodontics
Joined: January 30th, 2017
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