Treatment FAQ

jaw clicking when chewing treatment

by Donnie Towne Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Symptoms A clicking of popping sound in the jaw may be a sign of temporomandibular disorder. Nail-biting, teeth grinding, and frequent chewing of gum may be associated with jaw popping. A nightguard may be prescribed to help prevent tooth grinding while sleeping.

Full Answer

When should I worry about a jaw click?

  • Has the noise changed in volume or character over the last two years? ...
  • Is there any pain associated with the movement? Pain indicates that there is inflammation present either in the joint or surrounding tissues. ...
  • Is there any restriction of movement of the mandible? ...

Is it normal for my jaw to pop when chewing?

This is an uncomfortable feeling that usually happens when you’re using your jaw in talking, chewing, and yawning motions. Jaw popping is often, but not always, due to problems with your TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint. When your joint isn’t aligned right with your jaw, every time it engages, you’ll hear and feel a little clicking sensation.

How to stop jaw clicking?

Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Changing Habits that Cause Clicking Download Article

  1. Wear a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding. Grinding is a serious contributor to both clicking and pain in the jaw area.
  2. Try to stop nervous biting and chewing. Habits like chewing pencils or biting your nails can irritate your jaw, contributing to TMJ clicking.
  3. Eat softer foods instead of crunchy ones. [8] ... ...
  4. Work to reduce stress in your daily life. ...

Why did my jaw all of a sudden start popping?

You might experience jaw popping and TMJ if you:

  • chew gum too often
  • bite your fingernails
  • grind your teeth
  • clench your jaw
  • thrust your jaw out
  • bite your lip or cheek

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How do I get my jaw to stop clicking?

Home remedies for jaw clickingTMJ exercises. Certain clicking jaw exercises can help to alleviate jaw clicking and pain. ... Ice or heat packs. ... Anti-inflammatory drugs. ... Eat soft foods. ... Wear a dental guard at night. ... Improve your posture. ... Relaxing exercises.

How do you permanently cure TMJ?

Having said that, the following are how TMJ could be permanently cured:Custom-made splints. Custom-made splints are made to be fitted over your lower or upper teeth. ... Physical therapy. Physical therapy involves appropriate exercises for the joint. ... Surgery. ... Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

Can clicking jaw go away?

Relax, you're not alone. TMJ complications affect over 10 million people, according to the National Institute of Craniofacial Research (NICR). Chances are, your clicking jaw isn't permanent. But it's wise to be sure it's not a serious temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Can TMJ clicking Be Fixed?

Medical treatments for TMJ issues Laser therapy or radio wave therapy helps stimulate movement and ease pain in the jaw, mouth and neck. Dental solutions can help fix any oral issues that may be causing jaw popping, including underbites, overbites, missing and misaligned teeth.

Can dentists fix TMJ?

Because TMJ can be caused by tooth & jaw alignment problems, there are dental treatments that may help. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for treatments like braces, which can help realign the teeth & the jaws so that your mouth can close in the proper position.

How I cured my TMJ naturally?

Natural TMJ Pain RemediesEat Soft Foods. One of the best ways to start finding relief from TMJ pain is by simply just eating softer foods. ... Learn Stress Management. One of the top causes of TMJ is actually stress. ... Wear a Bite Guard. ... Limit Jaw Movements. ... Try Acupuncture or Massage Therapy. ... Use Heat or Cold Therapy.

Should I be worried about my clicking jaw?

You may have noticed that when you are eating or when you yawn, your jaw clicks. The good news is that most of the time, there is really absolutely nothing at all to worry about. Jaw clicking is quite common and it may only occur sometimes or if when your jaw is really wide open.

How long does TMJ take to heal?

For most adults, the treatment averages anywhere from 18 months to three years. Therapies like massaging or stretching the jaw, stretching the neck, and stress reduction exercises can instantly provide some relief. Still, it may take anywhere from weeks to months to see the full benefits.

What can an orthodontist do for TMJ?

Orthodontic braces are an effective option, especially in cases where TMJ is caused by bite misalignment or malocclusion. Braces will re-align your bite, correcting the position of the teeth and jaw, which can potentially reduce or eliminate other ongoing symptoms.

Is TMJ serious?

Left untreated, TMJ disorder can lead to significant health problems, including chronic pain and inflammation. It can also cause bite issues, tooth erosion and long-term conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, depression and anxiety.

How can I permanently cure TMJ without surgery?

If your jaw disorder is related to a misalignment, your pain specialist or dentist may recommend physical therapy for the jaw area, orthodontic treatment, such as a jaw splint, braces, or a TMJ retainer. These jaw treatments can realign your smile for a more comfortable bite which, in turn, can address your symptoms.

Can TMJ be fixed without surgery?

Other ways we treat TMJ without surgery include orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and other types of dental services. In some cases, corrective jaw surgery may be your best option.

What will happen if TMJ is not treated?

Although not life threatening, if TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can contribute to significant discomfort and tension. Chronic pain can even lead to the development of diseases like anxiety and depression.

Is TMJ disorder serious?

After being diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), many of our Nashville, TN, patients ask, “Is TMJ disorder serious?” The answer is that although the condition is not life-threatening, it can have significant negative effects on your dental and overall health.

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