A clicking sound in Jaw that leads to sanctions of pain is called Jaw Popping. There are numerous reasons for its occurrences, like opening the mouth too wide or issues in the functionality of temporomandibular joints. This is one of the complex joints in our body that works as a connector between the lower jaw and the temporal bones.
The temporomandibular joint is useful for the need for motion like yawning, speaking, and chewing food.
So, the Jaw Clicking is a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
What are Jaw Clicking Causes?
Jaw clicking, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking, can have various causes. The TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, and its proper functioning is essential for smooth jaw movements. Here are some common causes of jaw clicking:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): TMD refers to a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can cause jaw clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth. TMD can be triggered by factors such as jaw misalignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, arthritis, or trauma to the jaw.
- Disk Displacement: The TMJ has a small disk that cushions the joint and facilitates smooth movement. If the disk becomes displaced or moves out of its proper position, it can lead to jaw clicking or popping. Disk displacement can occur due to trauma, excessive jaw movement, or other factors.
- Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the TMJ and cause jaw clicking. Arthritis leads to inflammation, joint degeneration, and changes in the joint structure, resulting in symptoms like clicking, pain, and stiffness.
- Jaw Misalignment: An abnormal bite or misalignment of the jaw can cause jaw clicking. When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly, it can put stress on the TMJ and lead to clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement.
- Habitual Jaw Clenching or Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles, resulting in jaw clicking. Bruxism is often associated with stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
- Trauma or Injury: A direct injury to the jaw or face, such as a blow or impact, can damage the TMJ, leading to jaw clicking or other symptoms.
It’s important to note that jaw clicking alone may not necessarily require treatment unless it is accompanied by pain, limited jaw movement, or other significant symptoms. However, if jaw clicking is causing discomfort or affecting your quality of life, or if you experience additional symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth, it is advisable to consult with a dentist or a healthcare professional who specializes in TMJ disorders. They can evaluate your condition, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include medication, oral splints or mouthguards, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or, in some cases, dental or orthodontic interventions.
Arthritis
Arthritis, like rheumatoid and osteo, can affect or damage the cartilage of the temporomandibular joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms are stiffness and joint pain in the various areas of the body. A person with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may suffer from tiredness, anaemia, and loss of appetite.
Dislocated or Broken Jaw
An injury can be responsible for a broken or dislocated jaw. The jaw joint becomes unbalanced when exposed to an injury.
The common reasons behind a broken jaw are vehicle accidents, injuries in sports, physical assault to the face, slipping, and any industrial accidents.
A dislocated jaw also brings swelling, numbness, brushing, and bleeding that can make serious problems.
Sleep apnea
Pauses in breathing, shallow breathing, and snoring when you sleep are disorders known as Sleep apnea. Jaw popping occurs due to two different types of sleep apnea i.e. obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
The common symptoms of sleep apnea are – daytime sleepiness, mood disorders, and headaches.
Conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and heart attack can also be encountered in people who suffer from sleep problems or sleep apnea.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
It is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain in some muscle’s trigger points. Myofascial pain occurs when a muscle is repetitively contracted over a long time. This pain leads to jaw popping and it mostly affects those people who are active in sports.
The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome are – pain in muscular, changes in mood, difficulties in sleep, progressive pain, and tender points in the muscles.
Teeth Malocclusion
Misalignment of the jaw can occur due to `overbite or underbite, malocclusion of the teeth. This is also a big reason behind the Jaw Popping and clicking and need to be treated by consulting a dentist.
Infection
Infection in the gland of the mouth can also cause Jaw popping and TMJ issues. Some other symptoms of infection are dry mouth, pus in the mouth, bad test, inflammation, face pain, swelling on the face and neck, and foul taste. It is extremely important to consult with a dentist when facing such problems.
Tumours
It is also one of the most critical problems of the mouth that can be a reason for jaw popping. The tumours can be developed in any area of the mouth, and it affects the motion of the jaw.
Jaw Popping Treatment
The treatment for jaw popping or clicking depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Here are some common treatment approaches that may be recommended:
- Self-Care and Lifestyle Modifications:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods that can exacerbate symptoms.
- Apply moist heat or cold packs to the jaw joint to alleviate pain or swelling.
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension in the jaw muscles.
- Avoid habits like nail biting, chewing on pens, or clenching/grinding teeth.
- Medications:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to alleviate muscle tension and reduce jaw popping.
- Oral Splints or Mouthguards:
- A custom-made oral splint or mouthguard, typically worn at night, can help stabilize the jaw, prevent teeth grinding, and relieve pressure on the joint.
- Physical Therapy:
- Exercises and techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve jaw mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce clicking or popping.
- Bite Adjustment:
- In cases where a misaligned bite contributes to the jaw popping, orthodontic treatment or dental adjustments may be recommended to improve alignment and alleviate symptoms.
- Stress Management:
- Stress reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or counseling, may be beneficial for individuals whose jaw popping is related to stress or anxiety.
- Injections:
- In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the jaw joint can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
- Surgery (in rare cases):
- If conservative treatments do not provide relief and the symptoms are severe, surgery may be considered. Surgical options vary depending on the specific diagnosis and may involve joint repair, disk repositioning, or joint replacement.
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a dentist who specializes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. They can evaluate your specific condition, identify the underlying cause of your jaw popping, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment outcomes can vary, so it’s important to follow your healthcare professional’s guidance and attend follow-up appointments for ongoing management of your jaw popping symptoms.
Home Remedies for Jaw Clicking
- Drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and any type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can give relief from jaw popping.
- You must avoid crunchy foods and raw vegetables. Go with soft foods like cooked vegetables, beans, yogurts, soups, mashed potatoes, etc. You are also suggested to eat small bites to avoid wide mouth opening.
- It is a good idea to place the ice pack on the jaw area for almost 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. It will help to give you relief from the jaw popping symptoms.
- Keeping a good posture is important to reduce unwanted pain in the jaw. You should change the posture of your body whenever required.
- Medicate to minimize stress as stress can lead to jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
Medical Treatment for Jaw Popping
- Dental work can be performed to reduce the issues like overbites and underbites to stop the jaw from popping.
- Injections are given to patients who suffer from myofascial pain syndrome. It provides instant relief from jaw pain.
- To stop the pain in the jaw, heat can be applied to improve the movement of the jaw.
- Radio wave or laser therapy treats the jaw, neck, and mouth. This therapy helps to stimulate movement and reduces the pain.
- To manage the clenching of the teeth, a night guard or splint can be used.
- Pain in Jaw can also be reduced by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
- If all these treatments don’t work to treat the jaw popping, then your dentist can suggest you go for surgery as the last option. Surgeries that can treat your jaw popping are 0 open joint surgery, arthroscopy, and arthrocentesis.