What Everyone Should Know about a Popping Jaw

Louisville, KY

So many people have experienced it: the dreaded popping when they open their mouths to eat, yawn or even just to speak. These are classic signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), an uncomfortable and potentially harmful disorder of the muscles and ligaments in the jaw.

The good news is that relief is as close as your Louisville family dentist at Exceptional Dentistry.

Here’s what everyone should know about a popping jaw and why it might be time to see our TMJ dentist for help.

What is TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect the jawbone to the skull and act as sliding hinges for the mouth to smoothly open, shut and move side to side. When these joints are misaligned, inflamed or under stress, it can lead to TMJ disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

In addition to a popping or clicking jaw, TMJ/TMD has some hallmark signs that sufferers share, including:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Facial pain or pressure
• Headaches or migraines
• Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears
• Ringing deep in the ears
• The jaw locking in an open or closed position
• Clicking or grinding sounds when moving the jaw

What causes the jaw to pop?

Several factors could be behind TMJ disorder, including:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw clenching, often due to stress
• Misaligned bite or missing teeth
• Injury to the jaw or joint
• Arthritis in the TMJ

How does a dentist treat TMJ disorder?

Our Louisville dentist’s office offers a variety of personalized treatment options depending on the severity of your symptoms and the root cause of your TMJ disorder.

Treatment options may include:

• Custom night guards to prevent teeth grinding and reduce stress on the joints
• Bite adjustments or orthodontic treatments to correct misalignment
• Lifestyle recommendations, including stress management techniques and dietary changes
• Myofunctional/Physical therapy or guided jaw exercises
• In-office treatments for muscle tension relief

Surgical intervention may be needed for more serious cases of TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorder treatment in Louisville and Jeffersonville, KY

People who suffer from TMJ disorder often complain about a jaw that pops or clicks regularly, causing discomfort and even making it difficult to speak and eat. Don’t live your life in pain. Our skilled team at Exceptional Dentistry can help. Call us at 888-918-3336, or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation today.