Why does my jaw pop?

Question

It started about a year ago. I can't remember when exactly, but my jaw has been popping a lot. It doesn't hurt, but everytime I eat or chew, talk, and yawn (Not all the time though) It pops. There's no pain or anything. I do, however, think it may have been caused by an accident I had whil iceskating. I sliped and fell landing on my side, the side of my face was the first thing that hit the Ice and I ended up getting stitches on my right eye.
It's hard to relax my jaw (although I'm not sure if that's normal or not)
I'm not sure if it's TMJ or not, but from the description of it, I'm thinking it's not.
Does anyone know what it is that's making my jaw pop?

Answer 1

It is actually quite possible to be TMJ. After having braces, my jaw began doing the exact same thing. Popping in and out of place it felt like, but not painful. Sometimes it feels stiff or clenched. My dentist & orthodontist diagnosed me with TMJ. Your symptoms sound very much the same.

Answer 2

Oh, man, I know exactly what you are going through. I've had clicking/popping on the right side of my jaw for YEARS. Last year it got so painful that I sought medical attention. They sent me to a TMD specialist, but unfortunately, my insurance did not cover it. After that, my jaw LOCKED CLOSED. I was forced to see the specialist anyway and pay for it... it was locked for a whole week before I got in and they were able to unlock it. They made a splint for me to wear between my teeth at night so that it wouldn't lock during the day. And it works! While my jaw still pops sometimes, the pain is mostly gone and there is no more locking! If I were you, I would see a dentist and get a referal to a jaw specialist so they can make you a splint. It works wonders!

Answer 3

Same thing here and it is an offshoot of Tempromandibular Joint Dysfunction aka TMJ....please watch out for this as as time goes on you might need a plastic mold or bite plate for this.....it generally has been caused by yawning just one time, as in my case, and then ensued with other problems inclusive of not sleeping well. A correct bite is paramount and that doesn't mean that your teeth have to be perfect.
Ask your orthodontist the exercises you can do to diminish this for yourself as we are all different....i wish you the best. The cartilage in your jaw popped once too long and now it is a release of air that you are hearing...it is not dangerous, only an indication that something is happening and can take years to manifest if in fact it does. let's hope it doesn't OK? Thanks and this is a great question.

Answer 4

It sounds like tmj, which affects the jaw. It can be painful at times, and or not, but popping is a symptom. I know cause I have it. If you have pain associated with it, you can take norgesics to diminish it. Otherwise if it is a big problem then you should see an orthodontist.

Answer 5

It sounds like TMJ. I have it. My jaw pops so loud at times, it sounds like a gun going off. It can hurt so bad at times you feel like your face is going to pop. I'm hate to hear that you have the problems that I do. You can go to your regular doctor for them to diagnose you. They can give you some tips but, there really isn't much of a treatment.

Answer 6

I believe you have TMJ. I do, and I display all of the symptoms you've described. Mine is a result of my jaw clenching, especially at night. Your dentist can make you a mouthpiece to wear at night, or you can go to a physical therapist to learn exercises to make dealing with it easier. Oops, but, first get diagnosed! :) Suerte!

Answer 7

your jaw bone is getting loose out of its socket, the more you do it the easier it is to pop it, its not a good thing to pop your jaw because you might be messing up the tissue around it, sooner or later its gonna hurt form all the damaged tissue and friction.