Why does the jaw crunch and click when chewing,

Some people hear their jaw click when they open their mouths. At first, this phenomenon can be intimidating. But since clicking is usually not accompanied pain, most people just stop paying attention to it.

The lower jaw in the human body performs many important functions. Thanks to its mobility, a person can talk and chew food.

Disorders in the mandibular joint can occur for various reasons, but the problem should not be ignored. If you hear clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth, be sure to see a doctor (gnathologist or orthodontist).

When does compulsive clicking appear?

Under the influence of certain factors, the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) may malfunction. When the mouth is opened, the joint comes out slightly from the articular bag (the so-called subluxation), and when closed, it returns to its place. At this moment, a clicking sound or crunch occurs. Publishes his meniscus, which straightens sharply.

The jaw clicks and crunches also in such cases:

• with a wide opening of the mouth;
• when yawning;
• when you close your mouth;
• when chewing, especially when chewing solid food;
• while talking or singing;
• with the tension of the facial muscles, and so on.

Since there are no nerve endings in the joint, this phenomenon usually does not cause pain. The person feels discomfort and hears a characteristic sound.

If the jaw clicks and at the same time hurts or there is a headache or pain in the ear, this indicates the addition of an inflammatory process, which complicates the treatment process.

Depending on the position of the cartilaginous disc, clicks can be single or multiple.

Also distinguish:

• loud clicking sounds that are heard not only by the patient, but also by people nearby;
• almost inaudible clicks, which more cause discomfort for the patient;
• inaudible clicks that can only be detected by a doctor during examination.

Causes and provoking situations

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) malfunctions can occur in people of all ages, and even children. There are also many reasons for this phenomenon:

1. Malocclusion, which contributes to improper closure of the jaw. As a result, the joint can move to the side.
2. Non-professional dentist work. Wrong dental filling, installation of prostheses orthodontic devices can contribute to the development of jaw asymmetry.
3. Jaw injuries. One of the most common causes of temporomandibular joint malfunction.
4. Caries. Diseases of the teeth, even mild ones, can affect joint function. Most often this is due to improper chewing, as a result of which the load on the jaw is unevenly distributed. This leads to displacement of the joint during movement.
5. Bruxism. Pathology such as teeth grinding, or abrasion of teeth can also affect the function of the lower jaw.
6. Overstrain of facial muscles. To provoke an intense tension of the muscles of the face, which will cause the appearance of a characteristic sound, can try to chew solid food, exercise or exercise, stress.
7. Long oratory. Prolonged reading aloud or chanting can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Most often for this reason, the jaw clicks in school-age children. Although people of the so-called "speaking" professions: announcers, presenters, and so on can also face a problem.
8. Another cause of temporomandibular joint clicking is development of arthritis. The cause of the disease lies in the infection that gets inside the joint. In the absence of treatment, tissue destruction occurs as a result of the inflammatory process. In most cases, mechanical trauma to the jaw leads to the spread of infection and the development of the disease.

The danger of the disease is that pain accompanying the inflammatory process can occur in the temporal or occipital part of the head, less often in the ear. This greatly complicates the correct and quick diagnosis of the disease.

Other symptoms of the disease are swelling or redness on the cheek or near the ear. Sometimes hearing loss can occur: complete or partial.

It is worth noting that disruption of the joint on the one hand necessarily leads to failures on the other. Therefore, at first, clicks can be heard only from one side, and then from both (or they can alternate).

How to get rid of the problem?

Elimination of the problem depends on the cause of the TMJ dysfunction, therefore it is necessary to consult a doctor. A gnathologist, dentist, orthodontist or orthopedist can provide assistance. Consultation with a surgeon may be required.

It is impossible to ignore the clicking of the jaw, since complications may develop, up to the loss of the mandibular joint from the articular bag and its complete immobility.

This is not only accompanied by severe pain, but also does not allow a person to eat, talk, yawn and do other manipulations.

To fix the problem that has arisen, you need to eliminate the cause. For example, if clicking sounds appeared as a result of the unprofessionalism of a dentist or orthopedist, re-treatment of teeth is carried out with correction of all the mistakes made.

With bruxism and abrasion of teeth, the doctor may prescribe wearing a mouth guard. Sometimes a course of anti-inflammatory drugs is prescribed, less often - pain relievers. You can take medications only as directed by your doctor.

An articular splint and physical therapy can help with treatment. The doctor selects them on an individual basis, depending on the cause of the jaw clicking. In rare cases, when the disease is very advanced, surgical intervention is required.

What can you do at home?

A disruption in the work of the TMJ creates certain inconveniences for a person. Besides, clicking is sometimes accompanied by pain. It is not uncommon for a person to have difficulty performing simple activities, such as chewing food or talking.

If there is no way to immediately go to the doctor, a warm compress will help alleviate the condition. It must be applied to the problem area until it cools down.

As a warm compress you can use:

• a bottle of water;
• heated salt;
• other heat sources.

If the water or salt is very hot, use a towel to avoid scalding your facial tissues. In the case when the inflammatory process has begun, a warm compress should be replaced with a cold one. Ice is great.

You can take decoctions or herbal infusions that have anti-inflammatory properties:

• chamomile;
• St. John's wort;
• calendula;
• nettle.

But most importantly, remove the load from the temporomandibular joint as much as possible. Talk less and eat soft or liquid foods to chew less. Try not to open your mouth wide.

Special gymnastics

Performing special exercises will help to restore the work of the temporomandibular joint. If the appearance of clicks is accompanied by pain, first you need to eliminate the pain syndrome, and then you can start doing gymnastics.

Before exercising, you can apply a warm compress to stimulate blood circulation. Follow these steps:

1. Move your jaw up and down in 3 cm increments. Do 10 repetitions.
2. Move your jaw to the left and right as much as possible. Also repeat the steps 10 times.
3. Place your hand on your chin and apply pressure. Raise your jaw upward, while it needs to overcome resistance.
4. Also press down on the chin with your brush, but this time try to push the jaw forward, not up.

You need to repeat gymnastics up to 4 times a day.

If you hear clicking sounds in your jaw when opening your mouth or chewing food, do not ignore the problem and go to your doctor.

As with any health problem, lower jaw joint dysfunction can have complications. In order to preserve the normal functioning of the lower jaw, do not delay treatment.