Why Does My Jaw Popping When I Chew? Causes And Treatment

jaw popping

Jaw popping can be harmless or evidence of an underlying problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Jaw Popping can join the Jawbone to the skull. Jaw Popping is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or difficulty in movement.  We are going to relate possible causes of jaw popping, when to contact a doctor, and how to get relief.

What brings about popping jaws?

Temporomandibular joint disorder

By far the most usual source of jaw popping is TMJ condition. Allowing for smooth movement for talking and eating, the TMJ links your skull to your jawbone. A disjoint that is misplaced or irritated can cause:

Popping or clicking sounds

Popping or clicking produces Headaches or pain in the jaws. It can be difficult to close and open the mouth.

Not properly aligned jaws

An irregular bite, missing teeth, or orthodontic problems could strain the TMJ, causing snapping noises.

Grinding of the teeth 

Sometimes, when you grind or clench your teeth, which sometimes happen during sleep, it can damage the jaw muscles. It also joints and causes popping noises.

A arthritis in the jaw is observed

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. can degrade the TMJ cartilage, causing jaw popping, discomfort, and stiffness.

Trauma or damage

An old injury, like a punch to the head, can change the TMJ alignment and produce chattering sounds when eating.

Over the top biting of nails or chewing of nails

Frequent gum chewing or habits like nail biting can overstress the jaw joint, making it more likely to pop.

Disc Displacement

A little cartilage disc inside the TMJ pads the joint. An off center disc may cause popping sounds and jaw pain. A Disc can act as a cushion between the Jawbone and the Skull. When the Disc is displaced, it can cause Popping and Pain.

Should You Be Concerned? 

Jaw popping is generally not a serious problem, but you should seek medical attention if you witness.

 Patient pain in the jaw or face 

Difficulty opening or closing your mouth 

 Swelling around the jaw area

 Frequent headaches or observance pain

How to Stop Jaw Popping?

1. You should Apply Heat or Cold Packs.  A warm compress will relax the jaw muscles. While an ice pack reduces inflammation. 

2. You should Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods. You should stick to soft foods like yogurt, haze, and mashed potatoes to give your jaw time to heal. 

3. Practice Jaw Exercises Gentle jaw stretches and relaxation ways can ameliorate TMJ inflexibility and reduce popping. 

4. Use a Mouth guard (for Teeth Grinding) still; a custom mouth guard can reduce strain on the TMJ, if you grind your teeth at night.

5. Maintaining Good Posture Poor posture can affect jaw alignment. Keep your chin straight and avoid resting your chin on your hands for long ages. 

6. Seek Professional Help still consult a dentist, oral surgeon, if jaw popping persists.

Jaw Cracking, Jaw Clicking, Jaw popping and Jaw Scraping describe different sounds and sensations.

 Jaw Cracking: Jaw Cracking frequently happens due to stiffness in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or a lack of proper lubrication between the joint and muscles. It can be inoffensive or indicate common dysfunction.

 Jaw clicking: Jaw Clicking generally occurs when the jaw joint is slightly deranged or when the cartilage slice moves out of place. Some people witness occasional clicking, while others might have TMJ diseases.

 Jaw Popping: Jaw Popping happens when there’s an unforeseen movement in the joint, frequently due to muscle pressure, arthritis, or inordinate chewing. It may come with pain or discomfort. 

 Jaw scraping: Jaw Scraping is frequently associated with grinding (bruxism) or common wear and tear and gash. It can occasionally indicate cartilage damage, leading to rough common movement.

Can I prevent my jaw from popping?

There’s not a lot you can do to help jaw popping from passing in the first place, especially if it’s a result of cadaverous abnormalities. But to reduce your threat of jaw clicking as a result of teeth grinding, try training yourself to keep your teeth slightly piecemeal unless you’re eating, swallowing or speaking. You should keep your jaw relax and it can help you avoid issues like TMD.

Final Thoughts 

Popping of the jaws while biting is normal and usually not a worry. Still, pain or trouble moving your jaw could indicate a more severe problem like TMJ disorder or arthritis if it is left untreated. Although regular jaw exercises, stress control, and avoiding hard foods can help, the most successful approach to treat patient issues is consulting a doctor.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Will my jaw stop popping on its own?

 The outlook is generally good for people with popping jaws. Since jaw clicking is frequently a symptom of TMD, it generally goes down with treatment. 

 Why does my jaw click on one side?

 When your jaw clicks or pops, it’s generally a symptom of TMD. Diseases of your TMJ can do on one or both sides of your face.

Why does my jaw pop but it does not hurt?

 It’s presumably due to temporary overextension of your jaw, If your jaw only pops when you huff or open your mouth really wide. This generally is not a cause for concern, especially if there’s no pain.

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