TMJ or TMD - ?? Every time I open my jaw, it cracks and pops -?

Question

My ear on that side is blocked and sometimes feels like an earache. I've noticed I'm not grinding my teeth like most people---I clench them and don't even realize it. I have to constantly swallow to clear up the ear. What are the treatments? Is it serious? I'm seeing an Ear Nose and Throat doctor next week. Thank you for helping!

Answer 1

temporo mandibular joint disorder it can be tmj disorder or tmd which is temporomandibular joint disorder, its like the same but this condition happens where you jaw is locking in some cases by which cause of it can be by bruxism or teeth grinding. tmj disorder is actually complex could be the reason of having this problem missing teeth and it moves then you bite shifts alil bit thats why it triggers your temporomandibular joint. it can be treated by a tmj specialist by a certain types of appliance that you will wear or it depends on how they will treat you with your condition, for now by doing an alternate warm and cold compress to that area will help you ease the pain for a certain time and also by wearing night guard to help you prevent bruxism or teeth grinding. this conditions could lead to a serious condition if not treated. ask your dentist if they can refer you a tmj specialist in your area that way they can better assist you with your problem. hope this info help you, take care and good luck. one more thing stress is a main cause of teeth grinding. see your dentist so that they can help you with your problems. take care

Answer 2

Be wary of any doctors who say they treat TMJ.
It is a very difficult thing to treat, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Most people live with the popping and clicking and the jaw aches and they come and go. The best thing I have found is to remember this: Lips together Teeth apart. All throughout the day remember not to have your teeth touch. This will relax your jaw muscles. Do not chew gum. Do not open your mouth too wide. If you try a nightguard, don't use the cheap ones in the store that are soft, they will make you clench more. You need a hard plastic type from your dentist.

Answer 3

TMD. Everyone has a TMJ (temporomandibular joint). TMD is temporomandibular disorder. Prob. best bet is to check with your dentist for an occlusal guard to help with the clenching. The clenching will make your jaw muscles tighten and you ear hurt. The cracking and popping is the little disc above the joint moving & 'sticking'. The pop is the disc. jumping back into place. (kind of like the one in your knee).
For treatment to be covered under insurance (besides an occlusal guard, that's dental ins.) it is covered under medical not dental. Although they will prob. refer you to an oral surgeon or dentist. The ENT will be able to see if what you are feeling is ear pain. They will also check your throat and maybe eustachian tube opening inside by your throat. Sometimes muscle relaxants help. Or they also might use an anti-depressant type drug that will also relax the muscles and help with the ear pain.

I have had the clenching prob. & ear pain myself for a long time. I use a guard at night to not grind on my teeth and to try to relax the 'clench'. Have also used the anti-depressant drug...it did help to relax everything and no ear pain but...severe dry mouth, nose, throat. Stopped using it. I don't have the popping of the jaw though. Nothing you can really do for that except to relieve symptoms. Warm compress, motrin, soft foods, no gum. Surgery can be done on your jaw but, would def. make sure that is what you want to do. (last option-not reversible). Oral surgeon for that.

For my ear pain I use motrin, warm or cold compresses, Rx decongestant w/expectorant to try and clear the ear and Rx nasal spray. I get ear drum popping/stuffiness. An ear tube is always offered for whenever I'm ready. I see an ENT for the ear pain. DDS for the guard.

web MD site for TMD
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/temporomandibular-disorders

Answer 4

It is your TMJ (tempromandibular joint) that is giving you problems such as popping and cracking. Therefore, you suffer from TMD (temperomandibular joint disorder). Treatments: orthodontics (braces), jaw surgery if very extensive treatment is needed. Ears nose and throat dr won't do anything for the joint popping, but may for the ear problem. You need to see a dentist or orthodontist for your TMJ. There are different degrees of seriousness when it comes to this matter.

Answer 5

7 years ago I've been involved in a car wreck and even since suffered with severe on and off facial and jaw pain. I've tried almost everything western medicine had to offer and had visited countless of specialist, had done ct scans, and therapies but to no avail. The doctors I have been to had persisted that there wasn't anything wrong with me and that almost drove me crazy as I was going through hell from this condition. According to all my symptoms I was diagnosed by a holistic doctor as having TMJ and he had recommended this book to me. After following the recommendation in the book for several weeks, it had changed my life. I got immediate relief after following the unique set of exercises in the book and after 2 weeks the jaw and face pain had completely gone. I only wish I would have ordered this program years ago. It would have saved me a lot of pain and anguish.

Answer 6

THIS CONDITION IS KNOWN AS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISEASE OR TMJD. THE PHYSICIAN WILL TELL YOU TO SEE A DENTIST BECAUSE THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM OF THE EAR, NOSE OR THROAT.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU IS THAT THE CONDYLAR DISK WHICH IS IN EITHER SIDE OF YOUR JAW HAS GONE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THIS DISK USUALLY IS THERE TO TAKE UP THE STRESS OF BITING AND PROVIDES CUSHIONING TO THE SURFACES OF THE JOINT.
TREATING MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH THE USE OF MUSCLE RELAXANTS AND A RE-POSITIONING APPLIANCE WHICH YOU WEAR WHEN SLEEP.
THE KEY IS BE SURE THE DENTIST IS EXPERIENCED IN TREATING TMJD.

Answer 7

sounds like TMJ...if it is TMJ then the docs will probably tell u to go on a soft food diet for a couple of weeks.

Answer 8

You need a nightguard, I have the same thing. Visit your dentist and let him know the symptoms so he/she can make you a nightguard.