For the last few hours, my jaw has been cracking near my ears (I can hear it). On my right side, it feels like it is locking when I open it to chew food, and it hurts on that side as well. What is this from and how can I make it better?
2007-01-09 16:40:00 · 5 answers · asked by ? 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Sounds a lot like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), where the jaw isn't the right shape for your head.
Talk to your dentist or your family doctor.
2007-01-09 16:50:33 · answer #1 · answered by Brian L 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jaw joint problems can happen for a number of reasons. One of the most common is bruxism (teeth grinding) esp. at night. This is the best way to ruin you jaw joint. The other common one is simply a bad bite that puts undue pressure on the jaw. The clicking and locking is due to the fact that between the articular surfaces of the mandible and the maxilla there exists a meniscus. This is a fibrocartilage pad that helps stabilize the joint. Sometimes this meniscus can become dislodged and it will move posterior, and cause the locking and TMJ pain. This can actually be seen on an MRI of the Jaw Joint. I would just let your jaw settle down for a while and see how it does, if you know that you are a tooth grinder then see a Jaw Joint doc. Often they will fit you with a dental appliance you wear at night to prevent this. Also some people grind their teeth when they get tense like while driving and now if you do this you can catch yourself and change this habit.
2007-01-10 00:53:48 · answer #2 · answered by mr.answerman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hm, this is usually called TMJ (Temporal Mandible Disorder) and is usually handled by dentists that are knowledgable in it. Do you know if you grind your teeth at night? If so, there is now a product available to put in your mouth that will protect your teeth.
I am glad to hear that it's only been happening the last few hours, though. I had it happen once in a while like that and haven't had it since, so I would worry about unless it persists for a few days. If you're the worrying type though, a call to the dentist couldn't hurt.
Feel better, JB
2007-01-10 00:56:11 · answer #3 · answered by JB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have what's called a TMJ click, which may be caused by a slight displacement of the small cartilege disc that sits in the joint space between your jaw and your skull. If it gets far enough out of the joint, your jaw may lock entirely (not as bad as it sounds, it's temporary).
This is just a guess, but try this, take a pen or pencil, place it with the long axis parallel to the plane of your face (not with the point or end going down your throat), then push it back as far as it can comfortably go and bite down on it. If this is being caused by the problem above, it should allow the disc back into place and solve the problem, if not then many things like this will go away on their own, and failing that, it may be time to see your doctor if it's really bothering you.
2007-01-10 00:52:08 · answer #4 · answered by The Doc 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It Is called TMJ or Temporal Mandibular Jointitus. I have had it for 8 years. It can be treated by a dentist that specializes in TMJ Disorder. Make sure if you find a specialist that he makes you a splint to prevent grinding or clinching while you sleep. Ask the dentist for recomendations before you give them all your money. They should be well versed in treatment, Try using a heat pad when you have pain. Or try using a cold ice pack. Also advil is good for the pain. I found that after the splint my dentist had to co-abrate or grind down my bite so it would not be a problematic. If you live near Bakersfield, Ca there is a great dentist Named Dr. David Bae. He works wonders. Good luck and God Bless.
2007-01-10 00:56:07 · answer #5 · answered by answerman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋