ClickCease

Are you constantly hearing a creaking sound when you do something as simple as chew? Many people experience this discomfort and wonder what it could be. Here, we’ll help you figure out what the cause of your discomfort may be and what you can do to manage it.

Understanding Jaw Problems

Jaw discomfort can arise from a variety of factors. The most common cause is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. These are the joints that connect your jaw to your skull, and when they become inflamed or have an issue, they can cause pain and discomfort. In addition to creaking, TMJ pain can also present as headaches, tinnitus, and sometimes locking up of the jaw.

Stress, poor posture, jaw injury, misaligned teeth, and even arthritis can all contribute to TMJ problems. Not engaging in proper jaw opening exercise and clenching or grinding your teeth can exacerbate the issue, too.

Symptoms

Common symtoms of jaw problems include:

  • Pain located in the jaw joint, face, or neck
  • Tightness in the jaw
  • Popping or clicking when the jaw is opened
  • A sensation of being locked
  • Pain while chewing or speaking
  • Earaches

Your oral health can affect your overall health, and jaw problems can lead to missed days of work, difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene, and chronic fatigue from lack of proper rest.

Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing the symptoms mentioned previously, you should make an appointment with a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They can examine you and properly diagnose the issue.

You may be asked to provide a detailed history of your symptoms, including any other medical issues. You may also be asked to submit to a physical examination that will check for abnormalities in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and ligaments.

In some cases, especially if it could be something beyond simply TMJ, your doctor may also order tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan to better evaluate the issue.

Available Treatments

The treatment for creaking jaw depends on the cause and varies from person to person. The most common treatment for TMJ disorders is conservative management approaches like physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy.

In some cases, your doctor might suggest mouthguards, splints, or orthodontic treatments to help alleviate pain and reduce creaking. In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, more intensive treatments like joint injections, arthrocentesis, or even minimally invasive surgeries may be required to help with pain management and mobility.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to deal with creaking in the jaw. One of the best things you can do is make sure you are having regular dental check-ups at least once a year. In addition to this, you should avoid excessive jaw movements like clenching and grinding your teeth.

If you have arthritis, it’s a good idea to take additional steps to keep inflammation down like avoiding high-sodium foods and taking fish oil supplements.

Stretching exercises are also beneficial, especially if you engage in activities like singing or playing wind instruments, as these activities can put added strain on the jaw. Finally, be sure to pay attention to your posture, as an off-balance position can contribute to muscle and joint pain.

Conclusion

Creaking in the jaw is not only a nuisance, but it can also indicate deeper problems. Understanding the common causes and steps you can take for a proper diagnosis and conservative management can help to minimize discomfort and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing creaking in your jaw, contact a dental professional for evaluation and proper treatment.

Remember that prevention is the best medicine, so be sure to be proactive with your office visits, posture and mouth exercises. With proper management strategies, you can get back to enjoying your life and experiencing less discomfort.