Have you ever found yourself frozen in your tracks, taken aback by the sudden sound coming from your jaw? If so, don’t worry! It’s not uncommon for your jaw to click when you’re chewing.
However, this doesn’t mean you can brush it away. Jaw popping or clicking when chewing is a serious jaw dysfunction, leading to a TMJ disorder.
But why does this even happen, and how can you stop your jaw from making these sounds? Luckily for you, we have the answer to that right here in this blog.
Is It Normal For Your Jaw to Click When You Chew?
Absolutely not! Although many people report their jaw clicking, it doesn’t make it okay. In fact, you should get it checked out as early as possible since these clicking or popping sounds could be a sign of something bigger.
Your jaw is connected to your skull with the help of two temporomandibular joints (TMJ). And if either one of these joints slips out or dislocates, it can offset the entire course of your mouth, leading to a TMJ disorder.
From speaking to chewing to biting, all these day-to-day habits can get disrupted by something as simple as a joint slipping out of place.
Can a Clicking Jaw Go Away?
The good news is that despite the severity of your misplaced jaw, a TMJ specialist can help slide it back in place. You can get surgery in the case of a serious jaw displacement. Or you can also try simple jaw exercises to ease the pain.
Nonetheless, if your jaw keeps clicking when you’re chewing or opening your mouth, look out for the following additional symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Pain that leads from your jaw to the back of your neck.
- Facial Tenderness.
- Inability to open mouth wide
- Jaw getting stuck when open
- Severe to mild swelling around the jaw area
- Difficulty chewing
- Continuous sounds of popping or clicking every time mouth is opened
Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Chew?
If your jaw keeps popping or clicking every time you chew or open your mouth to speak, there might be a deeply embedded reason for that. Here are a few main reasons behind these clicking sounds:
- Facial Injury
- A Habit of Grinding or Clenching Teeth
- Arthritis
- Stress or Anxiety
- Thrusting out your jaw
- Dislocated Jaw
- A Habit of Sucking in or Biting Cheeks and Lips
- Constantly Chewing Gum
- Jaw Disc Sliding out of Place
What To Do If Your Jaw Keeps Clicking When Chewing
The first thing that you need to do is visit a TMJ specialist the instant you feel pain along with clicking sounds coming from your jaw. However, in the meantime, you can soothe the ache and keep it from worsening by following the tips mentioned below.
- Alternate between hot and cold compresses.
- Avoid eating hard, chewy, or sugary foods.
- Stay away from smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Pay close attention to your mouth. Relax your jaw and tongue muscles.
- Don’t chew too much gum.
- Take over-the-counter medications for quick pain relief.
When to See a Doctor For Your Clicking Jaw
If you’re tired of the pain and discomfort coming from your jaw, especially if it keeps clicking when you’re chewing, schedule an appointment with a TMJ specialist.
For more information, contact Smile Time Dental at (281) 245-0711. You can also drop by our dental office for a scheduled appointment at 10185 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77043. We’re conveniently located near M&I Beauty Salon.