Jaw Pain, Clicking, and Locking
Are you experiencing issues with your jaw? If you hear it click or notice that it’s locking in place, it might have something to do with your oral health.
As with the rest of the body, the teeth and jaws are also subject to everyday wear and tear. If the stress becomes too much, it can lead to temporomandibular disorders or TMD.
The temporomandibular is made up of jaw joints and muscles that connect to the skull. It’s a coordinated system that allows us to open and close our mouth, chew, swallow, and speak.
Jaw Popping, Clicking, and Locking
If the temporomandibular joint gets damaged or inflamed, the jaw movement can also be impaired.
Normally, the jaw should work quietly. It shouldn’t be difficult or uncomfortable to open your mouth wide, chew, swallow, or speak. But with temporomandibular disorders, these activities can cause discomfort.
Behaviors can also trigger jaw popping and TMJ disorders. Teeth grinding and clenching, biting down on fingernails or foreign objects, biting your lips or cheek, poor posture, and thrusting your jaw out can also be contributing factors.
If the jaw popping doesn’t come with pain, it may not be a cause of concern. However, it may require urgent medical attention if it’s connected to certain conditions, such as dislocated or injured jaw, teeth misalignment, and sleep apnea.
Malocclusion of the Teeth or Teeth Misalignment
Poor bite or teeth alignment issues can compromise the disc found inside the jaw joint.
This disc prevents the lower jaw bone and the skull from rubbing each other. When it becomes dislocated, you may start to hear clicking or popping sounds when you open or use your mouth. You may also experience pain and impaired mouth movement.
Here are other symptoms of malocclusion
- Frequent biting of the tongue or inner cheeks
- Changed facial structure, appearance of wrinkles around the mouth
- Changes in the shape of your lips
- Speech difficulties
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
Poor teeth alignment forces the muscles to work harder. Teeth wear faster and the pressure can result in headaches or migraines and other TMJ issues.
While you may not notice the daily wear on your teeth, eventually, they may loosen or break. And when the teeth become damaged, gum tissues and jaw bone can also be affected.
Correcting Malocclusion and Relieving Jaw Pain
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, and locking, we invite you to book an initial consultation with our dentist.
Find out how you can minimize the discomfort in your jaw and address its symptoms. These steps will not only help you improve jaw function, but will also enhance your oral health and overall wellbeing.
Temporomandibular disorders can have serious consequences to your health, don’t ignore them. Receive proper jaw care as soon as possible.