Why Your Jaw Pops and Clicks: Causes And Treatments

It is called Jaw Pops when there is a clicking sound in the jaw that results in sanctions of pain. It can be caused by numerous factors, such as opening the mouth too wide or having problems with the temporomandibular joints. It connects the lower jaw with the temporal bones and is one of the most complex joints in the body.

For yawning, speaking, and chewing food, the temporomandibular joint is useful.

Jaw clicking can be attributed to temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

WHY DO JAW CLICKS OCCUR?

Having a clicking jaw is not a problem if you do not feel any pain in it, but it is important to find out what is causing it if it creates TMJ problems.

There are a few causes of jaw clicking as explained by the Dentist Eugene OR –

Arthritis

Temporomandibular joint cartilage can be damaged by arthritis, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by stiffness and joint pain throughout the body. People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience fatigue, anaemia, and loss of appetite.

Broken or dislocated jaw

A broken or dislocated jaw can be caused by an injury. An injury to the jaw joint causes it to become unbalanced.

Broken jaws are commonly caused by vehicle accidents, sports injuries, physical assaults, slipping, and industrial accidents.

In addition to swelling, numbness, brushing, and bleeding, a dislocated jaw can cause serious complications.

Sleep apnea

A sleep apnea disorder is characterized by pauses in breathing, shallow breathing, and snoring while sleeping. The two types of sleep apnea that cause jaw popping are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

In addition to daytime sleepiness and mood disorders, sleep apnea can also cause headaches.

Sleep apnea and sleep problems can also lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and heart attacks.

Syndrome of Myofascial Pain

A chronic pain disorder that causes pain in trigger points in muscles. Myofascial pain occurs when muscles are repeatedly contracted over a long period of time. Sports-active people are more likely to suffer from this pain, which causes jaw popping.

Symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome include muscular pain, mood changes, sleep difficulties, progressive pain, and tender points.

Teeth Malocclusion

An overbite or underbite, or malocclusion of the teeth, can cause jaw misalignment. Jaw popping and clicking are also caused by this and need to be treated by a dentist.

Infection

Jaw popping and TMJ problems can also be caused by infections in the mouth gland. Other symptoms of infection include dry mouth, pus in the mouth, bad tests, inflammation, face pain, swelling on the face and neck, and foul taste. Such problems should be discussed with a dentist immediately.

Tumours

This is also one of the most common mouth problems that can cause jaw popping. Tumors can develop in any part of the mouth and affect jaw movement.

Jaw Popping Treatment

Jaw Popping can sometimes be cured with home remedies and doesn’t require medical treatment, but in some cases, a full treatment is required.

You can check both home and medical Jaw Popping treatments below.

Jaw Clicking Home Remedies

• Jaw popping can be treated with ibuprofen, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Raw vegetables and crunchy foods should be avoided. Choose soft foods such as cooked vegetables, beans, yogurt, soups, mashed potatoes, etc. To avoid wide mouth openings, you should also eat small bites.
• Several times a day, place the ice pack on the jaw area for almost 10 to 15 minutes. Your jaw popping symptoms will be relieved by it.
• It is important to maintain a good posture to reduce jaw pain. Whenever necessary, you should change your posture.
• Stress can cause jaw clenching or teeth grinding, so medication should be taken to minimize it.

Jaw Popping Medical Treatments

• To prevent the jaw from popping, dental work can reduce issues like overbites and underbites.
• Myofascial pain syndrome patients receive injections. Jaw pain is instantly relieved with it.
• The movement of the jaw can be improved by applying heat to the jaw to stop the pain.
• The jaw, neck, and mouth are treated with radio waves or lasers. As a result of this therapy, movement is stimulated and pain is reduced.
• A night guard or splint can be used to manage teeth clenching.
• There is also a possibility of reducing jaw pain through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
• Lastly, if none of these treatments work to treat the jaw popping, your dentist may recommend surgery. Jaw popping can be treated with open joint surgery, arthroscopy, and arthrocentesis.

CONCLUSION

When you get a consultation at the right time, jaw popping and clicking can be treated. The doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms of jaw pain. To avoid any complications, it is crucial to find out what causes jaw popping and how to treat it.