Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
When your jaw opens and closes, do you hear anything? Many people hear some sort of sound—maybe a click or perhaps a pop—when their jaws open and close. This might seem like innocuous noise but it could be a sign of a serious ailment called temporomandibular joint disorder. What should you do if you hear your jaw clicking or popping? Read on as Okemos’ award-winning dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia answers that very question.
What can make your jaw click or pop?
Your jaws should open and close soundlessly, but if you do hear something, this noise is made by a pressure that causes movement and, with it, a release of nitrogen gas and bursting synovial fluid. These sounds occur more frequently than you might realize.
The temporomandibular joint controls the ability of the jaws to open and close. This is a small, round joint on either side of the head that connects the lower jaw, or mandible, to the skull.
The clicking or popping sounds that you hear may occur due to:
Pressure exerted on the articular disc by the head of the mandible
Pressure on the joint capsule itself
Deterioration of the cartilage in the temporomandibular joint
When should I be concerned?
If you are hearing a clicking or popping noise when your jaws move, and you are experiencing other symptoms of TMJ disorder, then you should be evaluated by a neuromuscular dentist.
Some of the other signs of TMJ disorder include:
Problems opening or closing your mouth
Experiencing pain or discomfort as your jaws open and close
Feeling tenderness or pain in your face, head, neck or in front of your ears
Facial swelling
Difficulty getting your teeth to close normally
Anyone can develop TMJ disorder
TMJ disorder can affect almost anyone. However, it is more likely to develop in women than men. Genetics also can play a role, if you have a family history of jaw problems. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Tenaglia. Neuromuscular dentists have completed rigorous study and training in the alignment of the bite and jaws. They use that knowledge to identify and treat cases of TMJ disorder.
The causes of TMJ disorder may include:
Dental problems, such as a misaligned bite
The deterioration of joints from arthritis
Overuse of the jaws
Bruxism, also known as chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth
An injury to the jaw
Treating TMJ disorder in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
That clicking or popping sound you hear from your jaws can be a sign of a bigger issue. The best way to know for sure is to be screened for TMJ disorder by Dr. Tenaglia. She has thousands of years of training and more than a quarter century of experience in the dental profession, putting all of that expertise to work to provide the highest level of care to her patients. Schedule a consultation at Tenaglia Smiles today. Just call (517) 347-6733 or complete our online contact form.