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Question

My jaw pops and I know that is a sympton of TMJ. If there are no other problems like ear aches, head aches, jaw pain, swelling..... Do I really have TMJ? My dentist is sending me to a orthodontist to get it looked at but I do not want them to diagnose me with something I do not have. My jaw pops. Big deal! What do you think?

Answer 1

It is no harm to have it checked.

The TMJ is a very intricate joint, unusual in that it allows up and down movement,side to side and rotating movements.

It connects your jaw quite literally to the rest of your head..

Its necessary to check if your jaw is popping or clicking, although this doesn't necessarily indicate a problem with your Temporo-mandibular joint but its better to check.

Do you also suffer pain, spasm, restriction of movement in that area..presentation of all of these symptoms can indicate a TMJ problem.

There are several causes of these problems, including inheritance from mom and dad!, accidents, even infections.

It can be remedied fairly easily often by different appliances such as bite guards and adjustors and sometimes even anti-inflam meds.

Nothing to worry about but do check.

Paul

Answer 2

TMJ is the name of the joint (Temporo-Mandibular Joint)
It does need to be checked out as if left in some cases this can develop into a very painful condition and cause damage to the joint.
It's always better to get this things checked.

Qualified Dental Nurse

Answer 3

sassym is correct.

The consultation may be free and is worth the time to find out.

Many suffer from TMJ and it can be painful when opening
your mouth, to eat chew and even talk.

There are alot of things you can do to ease/ prevent
the pain :
Cut food in bitesize pieces
Don't eat extremetly hard foods
Dont chew gum
Dont bite your lips
Dont thrust lower jaw forward
Dont deliberately pop your jaw