05 Mar Jaw Popping or Locking? How to Know What’s Normal and What’s Not
Jaw Popping
Have you ever experienced “crepitus?” What about jaw popping? The question is, why is your jaw popping/locking and when should you be concerned?
Frequency
Frequency should be your first tip that something is off. If your jaw pops or clicks regularly, such as when you yawn or chew, you may have a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Take note of what you are doing when your jaw pops and how often it happens each day. If it happens on a regular or even semi-regular basis, it’s time to find out exactly what’s going on. Your jaw cartilage may be worn down or there may be unnecessary pressure on certain parts of your jaw.
Other clues
An occasional jaw pop, as long as it is not accompanied by pain or stiffness, is totally normal. But if you open your jaw wide and you feel it sort of lock into place or you feel pain, don’t ignore that sensation. See an Orofacial Pain Specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you get help for whatever is causing the popping, the better off you will be. If you are experiencing any issues with sleep, contact us today.