my jaw cracks several times a day.?

Question

sometime when i wake up, in the middle of the day it cracks everyday and now i see it as a norm. but sometimes the cracks get so loud people next to me hear it and ask if im ok. sometimes it feels stiff before and after the crack. what is it?

Answer 1

What you're experiencing is the disc that lies between your upper and lower jaw is popping back into place as you open and close your mouth. It's not good. It is a symptom of temporomandibular joint syndrome, and can lead to more serious difficulties later in life. For example, I had to have major orthognathic surgery to fix my jaw after many years of trouble with my TMJs. You should make an appointment with a dentist that specializes in alignment and treating TMJ disorders. Try to pay attention to whether or not you chew on one side of your mouth or another. Do not chew gum, and if you grind your teeth, make an appointment to get a mouth guard.

Here's an introductory website for you:

Answer 2

In certain situations, clicking or cracking (like cracking a knuckle) may not be of any significance at all. It's not necessarily good or bad. Usually, an occassional click is really just like cracking your knuckles. However, if it happens all the time, it's not usually a good sign. There may be issues with the ligaments, discs, muscle or bone in the structure of your jaw, resulting in temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ). It could be something simple, like an ineffective way of chewing. Or it could something more serious, as in a structural flaw or degradation of the discs. The best thing to do would be to ask your dentist and/or your physician for advice. You may be lucky and find that it's not a big deal. And if there's some kind of problem, they'll help you to find a way to keep your jaw healthier and avoid future discomfort. Good luck!

Answer 3

You probably clench your jaw sometimes, even at night. You should talk to your dentist about it. Also, chewing a lot of gum can do it, too. Just be cautious. True, it could be TMJ, but it doesn't seem like it's painful enough to be actual joint damage.
Some things to try until then:
Remind yourself not to clench
Open your mouth wide, slowly, like a yawn. Use knuckles to massage at the joint. It might really make you yawn, too, so go ahead. Yawning is perfect breathing! *wink* Choir joke.
Don't wiggle your jaw forward or sideways. Just up and down is good enough, and anything else can wear on the tendons.

Answer 4

Sounds like TMJ or Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder.
The "jaw joint" may have a problem that could get worse. Do you grind you teeth at night or clench your jaws when you are working?

You probably need to see a doctor or dentist.

Answer 5

GROSS! no just kidding. my knees, back, and neck crack all the time without me trying... its irritating, especially in public or in class when its quiet. ive heard its not bad for you... its actually just joints releasing c02 gas from little pockets or something like that... but the less it happens, the less the gas will get trapped in there and will need to be released or something. dont worry about it too much, just try not to crack it so much and it wont become so much of a habit.

Answer 6

it's poping out of joint..see a dentist