Is this problem with my jaw serious?

Question

A few times I have yawned and my jaw clicked and my mouth basically got stuck open...I had to somewhat smack it with my hand to get it back into its proper place so my mouth would close...it didn't particularly hurt when it went back into its proper place but it was rather uncomfortable and it seemed like I heard bone rubbing together.

Also, usually when I chew I hear it popping...it's not like an outloud popping noise, I can just barely hear it and I don't really feel it either but I don't think the popping I hear is normal. Also, when I open my mouth wide and then close it it doesn't close smoothly straight down..it seems like my jaw sort of shifts to the left.

Do I just need to be careful with how I move my jaw or could it progress into a more serious problem?

Answer 1

You have a TMJ problem and it doesn't go away on it's own. You do need to see a dentist that treats this condition. Some dentist say they do, but they really just rely on medications. The opening and getting stuck in this position along with the popping and grinding you hear, are clear indications of TMJ. It's cause is due to the pad in between the upper maxillary,and the lower mandibular joint, not staying in it's position. The pad works as a cushion and lubricates this joint. When you stretch open and get stuck the pad has slipped out of position, you are in a bone to bone position, or out of alignment and the result is the locking bone grinding. That's why you have to move side to side to get back into position, it allow the pad to slip back inbetween. You will eventually get to the point one day of locking, and having to have help getting out of the open position. That happens when too much damage occurs to the bones and the pad just won't slip back without help. We usually have to put downward forward pressure on the mandibular jaw and pop it back into place. If you aren't having pain with this, then you're condition hasn't progressed enough yet to cause the miagraine headaches and constant throbbing and aching pain in the jaws. You can have this condition checked and even corrected by orthodontic treatment, or sometimes just adjusting your bite or the use of muscle relaxers can be a temporary relief. In worse cases, surgery is involved. Don't wait until you have to seek help when your stuck in the open position. Find a dentist who can assist you in getting help for this dibilitating problem. Good luck and I hope I was of some help.

For now I would avoid chewing gum, taking large bites of food, eating hard crunchy things or foods that require a lot of chewing. Also anything that might have you opening your mouth really wide. Like yelling at a football game.

Answer 2

This could be VERY SERIOUS. You should make a doctor's appointment and tell them you may have TMJ. Temporomandibular joint disorder. I'm actually being very serious right now and I'm sorry that you had to hear about it on some message board. There is a chance that it is nothing but just in case it is TMJ you MUST get it checked out soon. The only thing you should avoid is opening your mouth as wide as you can. If you do that, then your jaw could lock open and you can't close your mouth. You would then have to go to the ER so they could close your mouth for you. good luck to you. my source is a support group for TMJ.

Answer 3

STEPHANIE,
THE SYMPTOMS AND OCCURRENCES TO YOUR JAW(S) HAVE HAPPENED BECAUSE THE NORMAL ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN CHANGED.
THIS MAY BE A TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT CIRCUMSTANCE. NORMALLY THERE IS A SMALL DISK WHICH SERVES TO HELP THE TMJ (TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT) TO SMOOTHLY GLIDE AS IT MOVES AGAINST THE BONE SURFACES.
WHEN THERE IS A POPPING SOUND OR IF THE JAW REMAINS IN AN OPEN STATE, THE NORMAL POSITION OF THIS DISK HAS CHANGED POSITIONS. THERE MAY OR MAY NOT BE PAIN INVOLVED.
THE WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS TO SEE A DENTIST WHO IS EXPERIENCED IN TREATING TMJD (TMJ DISEASE).
THIS MAY INVOLVE A COMBINATION OF A DENTAL APPLIANCE YOU WEAR AT NIGHT AND MEDICATION TO RELAX THE CHEWING MUSCLES. A VERY USEFUL APPLIANCE IS NOT A STANDARD NIGHT GUARD BUT AN N.I.T. APPLIANCE. THIS NEVER ALLOWS THE TEETH TO TOUCH -- UNLIKE A REGULAR NIGHT GUARD.
PLEASE SEE A DENTIST SO THIS CONDITION DOES NOT WORSEN AS YOU GET OLDER.
BEST OF LUCK!

Answer 4

It could be that you have TMJ. TMJ stands for the temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ), the joint where the mandible (the lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. If it is caught early, it will probably respond to resting the muscles and joints by eating soft foods, not chewing gum, avoiding clenching or tensing, and relaxing muscles with moist heat (1/2 hour at least twice daily). Relaxation techniques and stress reduction, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or other medications may be indicated in a dose your doctor recommends. Other therapies may include fabrication of an occlusal splint to prevent wear and tear on the joint. Improving the alignment of the upper and lower teeth and surgical options are available for advanced cases. After diagnosis, your doctor may suggest further consultation with your dentist and oral surgeon to facilitate effective management of TMJ dysfunction. You can read more about it here
http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc1117.htm
Please see your doctor for an exam and testing.

Answer 5

It's probably TMJ...which they can't do much with anyway! If it starts to bother you, you might want to go to your dentist and see about getting a mouth piece to sleep in. It might help! They also might give you muscle relaxers if it starts hurting! Just try to be careful with opening your mouth so wide! Good luck!

Answer 6

95% of man has problem wid TMJ, particularly "the clicking sound"

your problem is LOCKED JAW...

you should compress your jaw area with warm compress after the jaw back into its position to relax the muscle

for more info, just go to the dentist ^_^

Answer 7

That is kind of unusual. I know I hate to go to the doctor, but if I had that problem I would go. Most likely you are fine you just need to have some one realign your jaw.

Answer 8

Don't be asking us nerds on the internet, go see your doc.

Answer 9

no