Jaw popping is a common experience, characterized by a clicking or cracking sound when opening or closing the mouth. While often harmless, it can sometimes indicate an issue requiring attention. Understanding the reasons behind these sounds helps differentiate between a benign occurrence and a symptom that warrants further investigation.
What Causes Your Jaw to Pop
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, located in front of each ear. This joint allows for movements like opening, closing, and side-to-side motion. An articular disc, a fibrous cushion, sits between the bones, preventing them from rubbing directly and facilitating smooth jaw motion.
One common cause of jaw popping is the sudden movement of this articular disc. If the disc shifts slightly out of its normal position and then snaps back into place during jaw movement, a clicking or popping sound can occur. Another frequent reason for these sounds is the release of gas bubbles within the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. Similar to cracking knuckles, rapid changes in pressure within the joint can cause dissolved gases to form and then collapse, producing a popping noise. These types of popping are generally not accompanied by pain or discomfort and are often considered normal.
When Jaw Popping Is a Concern
While occasional, painless jaw popping is common, persistent popping or accompanying symptoms can indicate a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMDs encompass conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Symptoms that suggest jaw popping is a concern include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, ear, or neck.
Other signs include limited jaw movement, difficulty opening the mouth wide, or the jaw locking open or closed. Difficulty chewing, changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together, or headaches around the temples also warrant attention.
Self-Care and Professional Treatment Options
For mild, non-painful jaw popping, several self-care strategies can help manage symptoms and reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint. Eating soft foods and avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods can give the jaw muscles a rest. Applying warm, moist heat or an ice pack to the side of the face can help ease discomfort and inflammation. Reducing habits like excessive gum chewing, nail-biting, or clenching teeth can also alleviate pressure on the joint. Stress reduction techniques are beneficial, as stress can lead to increased muscle tension in the jaw.
If jaw popping is persistent, causes pain, limits jaw movement, or leads to locking, professional medical attention is appropriate. A healthcare provider, often a dentist or oral surgeon, can diagnose the issue through a physical examination, checking for tenderness, jaw sounds, and movement difficulties. Imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may also be used to assess the joint.
Non-surgical treatment options for TMDs are often recommended first. These can include custom oral appliances, such as mouthguards or splints, which help stabilize the jaw and prevent teeth grinding. Physical therapy, involving exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, is also a common approach. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxers may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce muscle spasms.