Each time I open my mouth wide or eat, a bone cracks in my mouth. This is been happening about 2 months now. It gets very embarassing when i'm eating with somebody and there's little noise around as you can her it crack constantly. I don't grind my teeth when i'm sleeping as i was told this could be a cause of it. Any ideas what it could be and should i go and get it checked out? It's by no ways painfull just annoying. Thanks in advanse.
2006-12-14 03:09:42 · 7 answers · asked by Carm 3 in Health ➔ Dental
You have problems with your Temporo-Mandibular Joint(TMJ). Google it to find more info.
2006-12-14 03:23:06 · answer #1 · answered by Hi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it sound like it is popping near your ear? If that is the case then I would say it probably has something to do with the joint. I have TMJ or Transmandibular joint syndrome where the joint in the jaw does not function properly on one side and the other side (ball joint) will come out of the socket. While this has a tendency to not be painful, I do have to be careful as I have been told by a dental specialist that this can cause further damage. Be safe and have it checked out. While this may not really be a problem for you, better safe than sorry.
2006-12-14 03:21:26 · answer #2 · answered by scarlettohara1861 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The bone that you hear cracking is most likey your TMJ (temporomadibular joint). This is the joint on each side of the head that allows for movement of the mandible for speech and chewing. The TMJ performs two basic types of movement, a hinge action and a gliding movement. W/ these two types of movement, the jaws can open/close and shift from side to side.
You may be experiencing a disease process associated w/ one or both of the TMJ's, or a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
TMD is a complex disorder involving many factors, such as stress, clenching, and habitual grinding. Diagnosis can be difficult. Symptoms include pain (including headaches), sounds,
and limitations of movement (a jaw that "gets stuck", "locks", or "goes out").
Look in your phone book under Dentists or Dental Specialists for someone specializing in TMJ disorders. Or call your general dentist for a referral.
Good luck!
Happy Holidays!
2006-12-14 03:26:51 · answer #3 · answered by Josi 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
TMJ: Temporo-Mandibular Joint syndrome. You are probably a tooth-grinder (grinding your teeth while asleep), and TMJ may be a direct result of this. A doctor told me (yes, I have it, too) that the joint is quite complex, and it would be best to let it be rather than let a surgeon at it. The links below may suggest some simple things that may be done about it. Consult a doctor for a definitive answer relating to your specific case.
2006-12-14 03:23:43 · answer #4 · answered by RolloverResistance 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's TMJ. I don't know the fancy medical term for it, but have a dentist/maxiofacial doctor check it out.
Basically it means your jaw is popping out of alignment. It could lead to some painful problems down the line.
2006-12-14 03:18:25 · answer #5 · answered by stolibabe2003 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Could be your jaw - the hinge part. You can see a dentist (for pain) or a chiroprator, who can make "adjustments" to align the jaw and stop the cracking sound. This is not a painful procedure, but will alleviate that sound!
2006-12-14 03:17:48 · answer #6 · answered by that judi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consult a doctor. It's caused by the muscle and tendons jumping over the jaw joint. It can be fixed if neccessary by minor surgery.
2006-12-14 03:18:29 · answer #7 · answered by Shockey Monkey 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋