Why does my jaw crack?
Question:
Answers:
You really need to go to the dentist! It could be TMJ. I've had it for 8 yrs now and i let it go so long that the only way to fix it is to break my jaw! Since it just started happening to you it is still correctable without doing anything major. You could be clenching your jaw which can be corrected with a mouth guard.
OMG the same thing happens to me too but i have no idea what it is!
It might be TMJ. I had it when I was about 14-16 years old. I thought it was my imagination, so I never told my mom about it. It went away on its own. I don't recommend that you do what I did though. Tell your parents so that they can take you to the dentist.
OMG I HAVE THAT TOO!! is it serious? i have braces and it may just be that theyre moving my teeth around so my jaws move... but it is only sometimes cracking. what do i do? will it go away!?
I have this tendency ever since having all my wisdom teeth out. It's called TMJ which I think stands for *something*-mandibular-jaw. It mostly happens when I bite down on something hard such as nuts or chocolate that's been in the refrigerator. It can also happen if I yawn too widely. It causes a sharp, hot pain and it feels like the jaw hinge is breaking and it makes me gasp! The area can feel tender for a day afterwards, during which time, take it easy and don't eat anything hard or chewy.
it's called TMJ
getting a bite night gaurd from your dentist is the best start.
I live with this problem, and as i am aging, it's much worse.
here is the more info than you will even want to know!!
. and some sites.
good luck, don't panic, it's treatable and fixable!!
The jaw joints, or temporomandibular (TM) joints, connect the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull. These flexible joints are used more than any other joint in the body. They allow the jaw to open and close in a wide variety of movements, for talking, chewing, swallowing, yawning, and other functions. Many people have dysfunction and pain in and around the jaw joints at some point during their lives. Collectively termed “temporomandibular (TM) disorders,” these joint and muscle problems are complex and not completely understood. As a result, proper diagnosis and treatment of TM disorders are still evolving.
You may also hear TM disorders called "TMJ," "TMD," or "TM problems."
What are common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders?
TM disorders can affect the jaw and jaw joint as well as muscles in the face, shoulder, head, and neck. Common symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, joint sounds, difficulty with fully opening the mouth, and jaw locking.
In most cases, symptoms of TM disorders are mild; they tend to come and go without getting worse and usually subside without formal treatment. About 65% to 95% of people who see a health professional for initial TM disorder symptoms will get better regardless of the type of treatment. 1
Approximately 12% of people who have TM disorders develop chronic (long-lasting) symptoms. 2 Any chronic pain or difficulty moving the jaw may affect talking, eating, and swallowing, thus affecting a person's overall sense of well-being.
See an illustration of areas typically affected by TM disorder pain.
What causes temporomandibular disorders?
The most common cause of TM disorder symptoms is muscle tension, often triggered by stress. Stress-related habits, such as clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), can tire the jaw muscles and lead to a cycle of muscle spasm, tissue damage, pain, muscle tenderness, and more spasm.
TM disorders can initially develop when there is a problem with the joint itself, such as:
Injury to the joint or surrounding tissues.
Structural problems in the joint.
Degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Disc displacement within the joint.
How is a temporomandibular disorder diagnosed?
Although there is no definitive way to identify a temporomandibular disorder, your health professional can most likely assess your condition with a physical exam and health history. In some cases, an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI is also used to check for bone or soft tissue problems related to temporomandibular disorder symptoms.
How is temporomandibular disorder treated?
You can treat your TM disorder symptoms by reducing muscle tension and stress on the jaw. Initially, resting the jaw joint, short-term use of anti-inflammatory medicines or muscle relaxants, applying hot moist compresses to painful areas, and eating soft foods can help reduce pain. Physical therapy and stress-reduction skills training may also help to reduce pain and TM joint problems. Continue to use some of these strategies over time to prevent and manage recurring symptoms.
If your pain is chronic or severe or is caused by structural problems, such as joint degeneration or disc displacement, your health professional may recommend additional treatments. Some treatments, such as surgery or reshaping or shaving down the teeth, need to be considered carefully because they are irreversible and can even damage the TM joint. Surgery is rarely used to treat TM disorders because, for most people, the risks outweigh the possible benefits. A decision to undergo surgery should be carefully weighed and a second opinion can help in making that decision.
More Questions & Answers...