Why Is My Jaw Clicking?
A clicking or popping jaw is a common occurrence affecting millions worldwide. It’s usually harmless, but if it’s causing pain or is affecting you in other ways, it’s best to visit Dr. Ernest Mantini to rule out any dangerous underlying issues. Dr. Ernest Mantini will evaluate you for TMJ / TMD to see if treatment is right for you.
Why Does My Jawbone Click?
Jaw clicking or popping is caused by a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), commonly known as TMJ. It’s a malfunction that may be caused by issues with your jaw muscles, nerves, or temporomandibular joints. The temporomandibular joints are two joints that connect your jaw to your temporal bones on each side of your skull.
TMD has a variety of potential causes. For example, it can occur if you grind your teeth, chew too much gum, regularly bite your fingers, clench your jaw too much, push your jaw outwards too much, or have a habit of biting your cheeks and lips. These acts can wear down your temporomandibular joints, resulting in a clicking or popping when you move your jaw in specific directions.
The temporomandibular disorder affects about 10 million Americans—roughly 2.5% of their population. Still, the problem tends to run primarily in families, and women are more likely to be affected by TMD than men.
When Should I Get Treatment For My Clicking Jaw?
While jaw clicking can sound and feel a little strange, for most people, the condition isn’t an issue. But if you experience any of the below symptoms, you should consider talking to Dr Ernest Mantini:
- Painful clicking
- Your jaw is tender
- Swollen face
- You have difficulty opening your mouth
- Your jaw becomes locked in place
- You’re struggling to eat
- You have headaches, toothaches, neck aches, or earaches
TMD or TMJ symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition that the patient needs to address. Some of these conditions include:
- Injuries to your jawbone. A break or dislocation (you’re highly likely to know if this is the case)
- Arthritis
- Infection of the jawbone. The condition can be caused by untreated dental cavities, leading to serious health issues.
- Myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by muscle tension, fatigue, or spasm in the masticatory muscles. These muscles allow you to chew food.
- Teeth misalignment (malocclusion). It can be an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other issues.
- Sleep apnea. Studies have shown a possible link between TMD and sleep apnea. If you’re a loud snorer and tired all the time, you may want to seek therapy.
How To Stop Jaw Clicking
If you’re suffering from any of the issues mentioned above, such as jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or trouble chewing, we strongly recommend contacting Ernest Mantini, DMD & Rocco Mantini DMD in Davidsville or Johnstown. Our experienced dentists can help to diagnose the problem and suggest potential treatments.
Schedule A TMJ / TMD Appointment Today!
Contact Ernest J. Mantini, DMD & Rocco Mantini, DMD at (814) 479-4525 (Davidsville) or (814) 536-4804 (Johnstown) to schedule a personalized consultation at one of our dental practices. For more information on, Why is my jaw clicking?, contact our office and talk with one of our dentists today. Dr. Ernest Mantini has successfully treated patients for TMJ / TMD from Davidsville, Johnstown, Somerset, Portage, Ebensburg, Bedford, PA, and many surrounding areas.