Anatomy

Jaw clicks when chewing. Is your lower jaw clicking? Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Crunch jaw joint associated with some reasons. They are all so different that they have nothing to do with each other. These may be structural features of the jaw, minor physiological disorders, or serious illnesses, why does the jaw crunch when opening the mouth or chewing, if there were no abnormalities before?

Reasons

Physiological feature

Usually this phenomenon accompanies a person from birth or manifests itself with constant heavy load on the jaws. During the movement of the muscles in the joints connecting both jaws, a crunching sound is heard. If there are no other symptoms, then such a manifestation is not considered dangerous, but only brings discomfort.

Childhood or puberty

During the rapid development of bones in adolescents or children, a sufficient amount of synovial fluid is not always formed in the joints. This causes crunching not only in the jaw joints, but also in the knees. Usually, after visiting a doctor, special medications are prescribed to stimulate synovial fluid. But first, studies are carried out to exclude pathology.

Features of the profession

Often, when chewing, the jaw begins to make a crunching sound in some groups of people in a special profession. This applies to those who talk and sing a lot. The clicking and crunching noise develops over many years and becomes permanent. But it is not accompanied by the addition of more serious pathologies. After many years of activity are completed, this deviation usually returns to normal. This is due to a decrease in the load on the jaw joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The disease affects many bones in the body, as well as the temporomandibular joint. Gradually, the cartilage tissues undergo extensive inflammation and cannot fully perform their connective function. Gradually, their atrophy occurs.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the jaw joints occurs due to trauma, infection, and improperly performed surgery. As the disease progresses, crunching and clicking in the jaw is heard periodically, at a certain interval. To these are added symptoms such as swelling of the lower part of the face, stiffness when chewing food and pain.

Neurosis

This mental state caused by prolonged stressful situations. A person is constantly in nervous excitement, which can cause various parts of his body to become stiff. The joints of the jaw are no exception, because they are constantly in a tense state. Typically, a crunching or clicking sound occurs against the background of spastic attacks or immediately after them.

Bite

There are several types of bite. The rudiments of teeth are formed in the fetus during early intrauterine development. Dentists distinguish many types of improper jaw closure. If such a deficiency was not corrected in childhood, then during the formation of bones this will also affect the joints. In addition to crunching and clicking, the bite is manifested in the grinding of incisors and molars. Constant friction of teeth when chewing food leads to cracks and damage to the enamel.

Natural stretchability of ligaments

Each person has characteristics muscle tissue individual. Some are highly dense and elastic. Others are elastic and can be stretched quickly. If muscle fibers have high compliance, then their ability to fit and fix joints is significantly reduced. This effect also occurs when the tone of the ligamentous apparatus decreases. Gradual weakening leads to loosening of the jaw. This does not appear externally, since the distortion is minimal. But gradually symptoms appear in the form of facial asymmetry, crunching and clicking when chewing.

Wrong food intake

Normal mechanical actions, if not careful, can cause dislocation of the jaw joints from the joint capsule. This often happens during an unsuccessful yawn or quickly eating solid food. The crunch appears immediately, usually accompanied by a sharp second of pain and dislocation of the jaw. It is almost impossible to put it in place on your own. Here you will need the help of a specialist - a chiropractor. After realignment of the jaw, discomfort, clicking or crunching may persist for some time.

Tonsil damage

For some unknown reason, a crunch in the jaw develops due to inflammatory process in the adenoids and tonsils. If such a problem arises, then the doctor may prescribe them surgical removal. Against the background of difficulty swallowing with enlarged tonsils, crunching sounds become noticeable.

Bruxism

Many children or adults experience persistent or intermittent teeth grinding at night. In medicine, this deviation is called bruxism. During rest, involuntary contraction occurs jaw muscles and rubbing of teeth against each other. Such a phenomenon in daytime manifests itself in a jaw crunch. In almost all cases, bruxism goes away gradually by age 7. Along with it, crunching in the joints is also eliminated.

Symptoms of serious pathologies with crunching:

  1. Pain when opening the mouth, chewing, clenching teeth;
  2. Discomfort when pressing on the right or left side;
  3. Radiation of pain to the ear area, bottom part faces;
  4. Noise or slight ringing in the ears;
  5. With a prolonged illness, pain appears during conversation;
  6. Redness, swelling.

Important: if the crunching in the joints is associated with any pathology, then it is difficult to diagnose it in the early stages. Many people do not pay attention to minor discomfort. And only after joining more serious symptoms a person begins to think about the condition of the jaw.

Jaw crunching in children early age manifests itself due to thumb sucking. The shape of the mouth and muscles are stressed by constant pressure. Since the child’s cartilage tissue is less developed, this also affects the joints. It is necessary to monitor the baby, perhaps he constantly sleeps on his arm. Because of this, the joint crunches on only one side.

Diagnostics

Important: identification of problems with the jaw, further diagnosis and treatment can be carried out by a maxillofacial surgeon, dentist, or orthopedist.

Usually, to scan joints and muscles, it is recommended to undergo a detailed examination. Magnetic resonance imaging will give a complete picture. If rheumatism, arthritis or arthrosis is suspected, arthroscopy is required. This special technique involves inserting an instrument into the jaw joint to see the extent of damage to the joint. Another accurate study is x-ray.

Treatment methods

Important: any method for treating crunching is developed individually, taking into account the severity of the pathology or physiological abnormalities.

Using a joint splint

This appliance is designed to reduce joint stress, relieve muscle tension, and limit teeth grinding. The splint acts instantly, eliminating all symptoms associated with joint dysfunction. The doctor prescribes muscle therapy and additional treatment.

It includes:

  1. Physiotherapy;
  2. Massages;
  3. Exercises to relax muscles;
  4. Various compresses.

Important: an individual joint splint is developed for orthopedic treatment bite height or the ratio of the upper and lower jaws.

What does the tire provide:

The splint is made with a thickening that decompresses the joint. The basis of the tire is a flexible silicone seal. After installation on the problem area, maximum relaxation of the muscle fibers in the area of ​​the lower problem joint is created. This reduces the intensity pain syndrome.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

These include several techniques - laser therapy, ultrasound, electrophoresis and others. Physiotherapy allows you to deliver medicine straight to the problem area. The exposure does not cause allergies or other side effects. This complex is necessary for the treatment of damaged joints that cause crunching in the jaw. Regular physiotherapy promotes the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue and eliminating pain in a short time.

Hormones

Glucocorticosteroids are indispensable in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases. They are also used in the treatment of jaw joints when they are destroyed. They suppress the immune response and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Hormones are administered orally, intravenously and directly into the joint. Within a few hours, a change in the condition of the bone tissue is noted, and pain decreases. Injections into the joint are given after fluid is pumped out of it. For a certain time, the patient is monitored to monitor the body's reaction.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

A non-steroidal group of drugs is intended for short-term symptom relief. If the crunch in the jaw is constant and accompanied by pain, then the person needs to alleviate the condition before making a further diagnosis. This can only be done with the help of non-systemic drugs. They are not addictive and help relieve discomfort, swelling and redness in the facial area.

Botulinum treatment

This therapy has been used relatively recently in orthopedic practice. The drug has many contraindications; caution should be maintained in dosage. But minimal administration of the drug has a strong therapeutic effect. Immediately after the administration of botulinum, the muscles relax and stop degenerative changes in the joints, eliminating crunching and clicking. An injection of the drug is administered directly into the affected joint.

Chondroprotectors

This is a special group of drugs that maintain the joint in normal condition. Taking chondroprotectors ensures the normal functioning of bone elements, but only until they are destroyed. Remedies should be prescribed as early as possible, before the joint in the jaw is completely deteriorated by arthritis.

Dental manipulations

Consultation with a dentist is necessary if the crunch in the jaw is associated with an overbite, dentures, or poorly polished filling. Then a special treatment course selected by the dentist is prescribed. The duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the manipulations. Sometimes it takes several months to correct the bite.

Surgical treatment

The operation is indicated for serious complications- immobilization of the joint, adhesions of nearby tissues or chronic dislocation. The most common method for treating jaw joints is arthroplasty.

It is not always possible to make a diagnosis based on the “jaw crunch” symptom alone. Why does my jaw crunch when I yawn, open my mouth wide, or chew? Perhaps the bite is broken, there is not enough calcium, or rheumatism is developing. Let's figure out how to correctly interpret unpleasant sounds in the mouth and why the jaw crunches.

A crunch in the mouth that occurs at the joint of the upper and lower jaws, which does not bother a person with other symptoms, is not something extraordinary and does not seem dangerous. It occurs in adolescents during a period of active growth; the crunch also appears in actors, politicians, and teachers who must talk a lot and for a long time, due to the specifics of their work.

In order for the discomfort in the form of a crunch in the jaw to disappear, it is necessary to give the joint a rest for a while, reducing the load on it.

It is not the jaw or mouth itself that crunches, but the surfaces of the bones of the ANS - the temporomandibular joint.

Reasons why your jaw cracks:

  • echoes of previous traumas;
  • neurotic spasm of facial muscles;
  • malocclusion;
  • defects of the dentist - unpolished fillings or defective dentures, asymmetry;
  • misalignment of the jaw to one side due to the absence of teeth on one side;
  • natural features of the anatomy - the high ability of the ligaments to stretch.

A consultation with a dentist, maxillofacial surgeon or gnathologist will help eliminate the crunch. It is important to note whether there is pain when crunching. The presence of pain may indicate the presence of arthrosis, inflammation, or injury. Then it is necessary to act urgently and effectively in order to prevent the progression of the disease and avoid complications.

Consequences of ignoring jaw crunching:

  • soreness of the facial muscles;
  • dislocation or incomplete dislocation of the snapping joint;
  • joint disc rupture.
  • pain that occurs when opening the mouth;
  • noises in the ear;
  • wear of tooth enamel;
  • development of arthrosis.

When to see a doctor

A jaw crunch should be attended to immediately, as the consequences of an advanced illness may require long-term and complex treatment or turn out to be incurable.

Sound the alarm and call for emergency assistance it is necessary when the jaw crunches and hurts during any attempts to move it, for example, when chewing, yawning, opening, talking. When moving and chewing, the jaw may also make zigzag movements because it is difficult to open the mouth smoothly. Muscle tone occurs and the jaw hurts when pressed. The pain is felt between the ear and cheek, and when the mouth is open, its asymmetry is noticeable.

If these symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately. When it is not possible to get to a doctor, and the pain is too severe, it is necessary to provide the patient with first aid - apply a damp warm compress to the sore spot, and also give 1-2 tablets of spasmalgon or analgin.

It is better to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, since their use before diagnosis can distort the overall picture. You should not try to diagnose your mouth yourself at home. Without a qualified assessment, it is difficult to understand whether a cracking sound in the jaw area is caused by a simple accumulation of gaseous bubbles or is an indicator of serious pathology.

Some disorders of the ANS even require surgical intervention, when such a problem arises against the background of old injuries. Perhaps a crunch in the jaw indicates a dislocation - complete or partial. It can be adjusted on an outpatient basis.

Sometimes, when the jaw clicks while chewing, physical therapy, acupuncture procedures, or wearing a splint that limits movement and relieves pain are prescribed.

Preventive measures

Jaw warm-up will help prevent TMJ diseases:

Exercise 1

The thumb supports the chin from below. Open your mouth slowly, lowering your lower jaw. At the same time, counteract the movement of the jaw from below with your thumb.

The mouth is open for 3-6 seconds, then it is closed. The exercise is repeated 5–6 times.

Exercise 2

Big and index finger grabs the chin from below, mouth open. As you close your mouth, press down with your fingers to resist closing. Repeat 5–6 times

Exercise 3

Slowly open and close your mouth while keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

Exercise 4

Take the pencil into your mouth parallel to the floor, and, holding it with your teeth, move your lower jaw back and forth.

To prevent crunching, you should be attentive to regular visits to the dentist, timely elimination of caries and dental damage, and pay attention to an examination by a gnathologist regarding the correctness of the bite.

Eat hard nuts with caution, do not crack the shell with your teeth, and do not get carried away with overly hard fruits or cartilage. You should not allow your mouth to open wide when yawning.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (myoarthropathy) can be of a very different nature. They can manifest themselves as pain in the temporal mandibular joint, restrictions of mobility, crunching and clicking. Most often the complaints are light form, and then spontaneously disappear.

Treatment is required in only 3% of all cases.

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Prof. Gerhard Undt - Your specialist for oral and maxillofacial surgery in Austria

Professor Undt is a specialist in maxillofacial surgery and dentistry in Vienna. Since 1992, he has specialized in the treatment of functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint. The range of its services covers all types of open and endoscopic operations in the area of ​​the jaw and face. Almost at the very beginning of his professional career, Dr. Undt devoted his activities to the surgical treatment of functional diseases of the temporomandibular joint and surgical treatment fractures of the articular process of the lower jaw. Since 1994, he has been performing arthroscopy of the jaw joint. Under the supervision of international specialists, he accumulated a wealth of experience and mastered a wide variety of arthroscopic and microsurgical techniques. Today dr. Undt is considered the world's leading specialist in the field of arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the temporomandibular joint. Since 2003, Professor Undt has been involved in the endoscopic treatment of diseases of the salivary gland.

Symptoms of jaw joint disorders are not always clear

If the mouth opens only to a limited extent or pain occurs, then all this indicates myoarthropathy. Crunching and clicking in the joint are also one of the signs of this pathology. However, the symptoms of jaw joint disorders are not always clear. Complaints can manifest themselves not only in the jaw area. For example, they can be expressed in the form of headaches and pain in the back of the head, unpleasant sensations in the face area, noise in the ears (tinnitus).

Causes: from arthritis to bruxism

One of the main causes of temporomandibular joint diseases is overload of the chewing system caused by clenching or grinding teeth. Often this condition is provoked by stress. Even overuse chewing gum can cause myoarthropathy. Unstable crowns, bridges or dentures, as well as unprofessionally performed fillings can also give rise to complaints in the jaw joint.

The consequence of arthritis is painful inflammatory processes in the jaw joint. Arthritis develops against the background of dystrophic-degenerative processes or rheumatic diseases. Injuries, falls and bruises in the chin or jaw region can also be responsible for long-term complaints.

Pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint can also be caused indirectly. Possible reasons:

  • Nerve damage in the facial area (neuralgia)
  • Inflammation and hematomas in the maxillofacial area, for example, after surgery
  • Wisdom teeth eruption
  • Inflammation of the parotid salivary gland
  • Diseases cervical spine spine

Types of craniomandibular dysfunction

A large number of people are faced with one or another pathology of the temporomandibular joint: this can include acute or chronic, painful functional disorders of the jaw joint, chewing and cervical muscles. As a rule, there are three types of so-called craniomandibular dysfunction, which can manifest themselves in a combined form:

  • Prolonged pain in the masticatory and cervical muscles involved in the movement of the mandibular joint - a similar pain syndrome occurs when the joint moves
  • Degenerative or pathological changes in the joint, such as arthrosis, arthritis, slow or increased growth, chronic inflammatory diseases temporomandibular joint
  • Incorrect position or limited mobility of the cartilage disc of the temporomandibular joint

Conservative treatment of temporomandibular joint diseases

In the vast majority of cases, craniomandibular dysfunction can be completely eliminated with the help of conservative, therapeutic activities, used in various combinations with each other (refusal of eating solid foods, eliminating exogenous sources of stress in combination with various relaxation techniques, bite splints, therapeutic exercises and the use of painkillers, relaxing medications). In about 5% of all cases it is shown surgical treatment joint diseases. It is advisable to resort to surgical intervention on the temporomandibular joint only in cases where conservative therapy did not bring the desired effect. First of all, adequate, individual treatment must be carried out using a bite splint, in order to reduce the intensity of teeth grinding or clenching, or to normalize a malocclusion that has caused increased stress on the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Such therapy can last up to several months.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques

If, after appropriate clinical and MRI diagnostics, it is revealed that the pain syndrome and limited mobility are based on disorders of the temporomandibular joint, then specialists resort to the use of minimally invasive microsurgical techniques. Under local anesthesia, the temporomandibular joint is washed (also called arthrocentesis or lavage). Upper part The jaw joint is punctured with two large needles and the fluid is washed out under pressure. The effect of this minimally invasive procedure is to eliminate fine scars and flush out inflammatory cells from the joint, in particular protein substances that are responsible for causing pain. Thanks to this, complete healing of the inflamed articular surface often occurs and the process of production of joint fluid is normalized. It is partially possible to return the displaced disc to its normal position and remove the blockade of the temporomandibular joint. If washing the joint does not bring long-term effect, arthroscopic surgery of the jaw joint under anesthesia is indicated.

Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint

The arthroscopic surgery procedure is similar in nature to arthrocentesis. Through pinpoint surgical approaches, optics and various surgical instruments are introduced into the upper part of the temporomandibular joint. These miniature instruments (eg scalpels, scissors or even laser probes) allow targeted removal of significant adhesions under digital visualization. There is also the possibility of smoothing the affected joint surfaces to facilitate their regeneration. A displaced disc, which has been blocking joint movements for a long time, can be returned to its original position.

Open operations

If all of the above conservative and minimally invasive treatment methods do not bring results or severe pathological changes in the temporomandibular joint are observed due to trauma, degenerative processes, inflammation, growth disorders, developmental defects and malignant neoplasms, then open surgery is performed. The goal of open surgery, which can be accessed from behind the ear (retro-airicular) or from the front (pre-airicular approach), is to replace diseased or altered joint components with native or artificial tissue. After wound healing, both surgical access sites on the skin have an excellent aesthetic effect.

Open surgery aimed at stimulating the regeneration of tissues and adjacent structures. A distinction is made between operations for the restoration and removal of cartilage, i.e. the articular disc, and so-called disc replacement interventions, such as interpositional plastic surgery using one's own or artificial tissue.

If the head of the joint falls out repeatedly from the articular cavity, dislocation, removal of the anterior articular tubercle (eminectomy) is usually performed. This facilitates the independent return of the joint head to its anatomical position.

Prosthetics of the temporomandibular joint

Head removal joint, the so-called condylectomy, is performed when various diseases joint, such as tumors or severe damage due to an inflammatory process or numerous previous operations. In case of complete immobility of the joint, ankylosis that occurs as a result of fusion of the bone ends of the joint, condylectomy is required to restore the joint space, into which cartilaginous or muscle components are then inserted, ensuring the separation of the bone ends for a long time. If all of the above surgical measures do not lead to a stable result that meets the patient’s expectations, the way out of the situation is the implantation of an artificial, total prosthesis temporomandibular joint, made individually for the patient. Currently, such prostheses are selected based on computed tomography.

Treatment of temporomandibular joint fractures

A special kind medical care is the surgical treatment of jaw joint fractures. Until recently, prolonged splint therapy was the priority treatment method, with the help of which it was often not possible to achieve the desired functional and anatomical effect. Today it is possible to completely restore the anatomical position of such fractures through retroauricular access, after which the result obtained is fixed with special screws. The only disadvantage of this operation is the risk of damage facial nerve, which is closely related to the operated area. The main advantage of this surgical technique, which has been significantly improved in our clinic in recent years, is the ability to move and load the joint immediately after the intervention.

Postoperative care

The postoperative period after intervention on the temporomandibular joint involves the active participation of the patient in the rehabilitation process and therapeutic exercises- all this is a decisive factor in achieving general therapeutic success.

Treatment of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) diseases: cost

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When opening the mouth or chewing, what should one do when a person notices such a “clicking” sound?

  Today, a similar problem occurs in many people, often regardless of the person’s age. If your jaw clicks and hurts, if you feel that the joint is starting to crunch, then you should know that the source of this phenomenon is usually dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Pain radiating to the temporal region, crunching when moving the jaw, as well as chewing, is a complex symptom of just such a disease.

Description

  TMJ is a joint located in front of the ear, consisting of temporal bone and lower jaw. Muscles that perform the functions of chewing, swallowing and speech connect the lower jaw to the skull. It is this apparatus that allows our jaw to move left and right, open and close the mouth, and extend the lower jaw. It works correctly when lower jaw moves synchronously in the joint on both the right and left - this is a symmetrical organ, therefore, if the work of one of them is disrupted, the work of the second also fails. TMJ disorders develop when the lower jaw becomes misaligned during opening and closing of the mouth and other jaw movements.

  Dysfunction occurs in all age groups, and in general, people suffering from this pathology, according to various estimates, up to 70 percent. Among the causes of its occurrence are malocclusion, sudden overexertion masticatory muscles when chewing hard and rough food, improper dental treatment (tooth filling, prosthetics), bruxism and increased tooth wear, sports activities that lead to overstrain of certain muscle groups.

  Often the cause of the development of dysfunction of the TMJ joints is stress, as well as improper dental treatment, more precisely, mistakes of orthopedic dentists, orthodontists, therapists, surgeons: even the treatment of simple caries can lead to dysfunction of the mandibular joint if the dentist has placed an oversized filling, which violates symmetry and led to unilateral loads, and then to displacement of the discs, and with it to pain. The causes of this disease can also be joint injury, tooth wear due to bruxism, and excessive stress during sports.

What happens (click mechanism):

  • a clicking sound appears after the head leaves the articular capsule;
  • with a slight displacement, subsequent movement, the bone moves into place with a characteristic sound.

Take note

Most often the problem occurs when the mouth is opened wide. At this point, subluxation of the joint occurs;

Reasons

  Clicking occurs when chewing, talking, eating. The most common occurrence is a clicking sound when the mouth is fully opened. For example, when yawning.
  This phenomenon can have a variety of reasons:

Frequent complaints

  • Pain in the jaw area;
  • Difficulty opening the mouth;
  • Joint clicking: Usually the jaw clicks on one side. It also happens that at the same time it also hurts;
  • Pain in the neck, temples, eye sockets, severe headaches;
  • In some cases, the pain can radiate to the arms, often spreading to the muscles of the whole body.

Diagnosis of the disease

  If there is constant clicking of the jaw, it is necessary to visit a gnathologist dentist as soon as possible, who will conduct a detailed diagnosis and issue a referral to other doctors for full examination. If it is not possible to contact to this specialist, then you need to go to an appointment with an orthodontist.
  Diagnosis may include the following procedures:

  • palpation of the temporomandibular joint;
  • Ultrasound of the problem area;
  • neurological examination trigeminal nerve;
  • study of bite;
  • electromyography of masticatory muscles;
  • blood tests to detect infectious or rheumatic inflammation;
  • X-ray examination; MRI.

  Jaw clicking may vary in sound intensity and the moment of manifestation. Based on the nature of the sound, this manifestation is conventionally divided into three types: weak clicking, average intensity and strong, which can be heard by a person standing nearby.

Clicking sound when opening mouth:

  • The clicking sound that occurs during the opening of the mouth is conventionally divided into two types: Clicking sounds that occur when the mouth is opened slightly. As a rule, they occur when the meniscus thins due to arthritis, a tumor appears on the joint, loosening of ligaments, or slight fusion of the joint with cartilage. In this case, the clicks have a repeated, multiple character and a dull sound.
  • Clicking sounds when fully opened. Most often, such sounds occur with significant changes in the articular head and often serve as a sign of progressive arthritis. During examination, deformation or defects of the head and meniscus may be detected. In the process of closing the mouth.

Clicking sounds when closing the mouth:

  • At the stage of closing the mouth, two moments of the appearance of clicks are noted: At the beginning of the process of closing the mouth. They arise mainly due to sprained ligaments or loosening of the cartilage tissue of the articular bed.
  • Right at the end of closing. Clicking is often observed with an incorrect bite, too large a filling, or poorly installed orthodontic structures or dentures.

Treatment

  As practice shows, most patients are not inclined to associate these pains with dental problems. In particular, with previously unsuccessful prosthetics or prolonged absence of teeth. Although it is precisely for these reasons that occlusion is disrupted (the correct position of the jaws in relation to each other). As a result of improper chewing, the jaw joints are overloaded.

  Due to the fact that joint dysfunction is difficult to diagnose, even dentists are little familiar with this pathology and treatment methods. Therefore, most patients do not receive qualified, timely assistance and go to osteopaths, chiropractors, otolaryngologists, therapists, neurologists, psychotherapists... In fact, dentists should treat TMJ diseases, depending on the cause of this condition.

  To achieve success in therapy, a set of measures is required:

  • orthodontic treatment to correct the bite,
  • surgery,
  • retreatment of teeth,
  • prosthetics,
  • physiotherapeutic procedures,
  • acupuncture.

  According to indications, the doctor may prescribe night wearing of a trainer - an articular splint, with the help of which myofascial pain syndrome is relieved. It can be used both for diagnosis and to prevent tooth wear due to bruxism.

  It is necessary to treat TMJ dysfunction - when the disc is displaced articular surfaces undergo restructuring (arthrosis), rough connective tissue grows in the joint cavity, which leads to immobilization of the joint - ankylosis.

Gymnastics to prevent clicking of the lower jaw.

  If you experience a single clicking sound when moving your jaw or it is impossible to see a doctor in a timely manner, you can try to help yourself at home.

  One of the most effective means is a special gymnastics aimed at relieving tension from muscles and ligaments, as well as relaxing the jaw joint. To do this, use the following exercises:

  • Smoothly open your mouth so that the gap between the teeth is 3 cm.
  • Then also smoothly close your mouth;
  • With your mouth slightly open, move your jaw, first to the right, then to the left;
  • Place the brush on the base of your chin and apply a little pressure.
  • At the same time, actively resist this pressure with your lower jaw;
  • Move the lower jaw forward so that its dentition slightly extends beyond the crowns upper jaw.

Attention! the information on the site does not constitute a medical diagnosis or a guide to action and is intended for informational purposes only.

Clicking jaw: causes and treatment

Why does my jaw crack?

There may be several reasons why the jaw cracks. Clicking can also be caused by stress experienced, leading to muscle spasm, and after suffering a jaw injury. A crunch when chewing may be a consequence of improper treatment by a dentist or orthodontist, but it can also be caused by ordinary caries, which disrupts the functioning of the entire temporomandibular joint.

If the filling is placed incorrectly, symmetry may be disrupted, which leads to unilateral loads on the jaw, displacement of the discs and subsequently pain and crunching.

Bite distortion and accompanying crunching can lead to bad habits(such as thumb sucking childhood, placing a hand under the cheek in a dream), diseases of the ENT organs, breathing disorders (adenoids), bruxism, periodontal disease, etc. With a correct bite, all the teeth of the upper jaw, with the exception of the incisors, are in pairs with similar teeth of the lower jaw, and the upper incisors only slightly overlap the lower ones. An incorrect bite can not only cause a crunch in the jaw, but also lead to headaches, insufficient chewing of food, and disturbances in swallowing and respiratory functions. Intestinal diseases and periodontal disease are common. A disproportionately large load on the jaws can lead to premature tooth loss.

Correction of bite in adults

  • More details

What does jaw clicking mean?

Jaw clicking most often indicates temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The classic symptoms of this pathology affect the joints themselves, ears, head, teeth and face. Pain may appear in the ears, neck, head, or chewing muscles. Due to the proximity of the temporomandibular joints to ears their damage can cause ringing in the ears, congestion, or even hearing loss.

Clicking in the mandibular joint is not necessarily accompanied by painful sensations. The sound produced by this can be heard by others

What to do if your jaw is clicking

In most cases, a crunching sound when moving the jaw is caused by malocclusion– congenital or acquired (due, for example, to improper treatment). Correcting the bite and straightening teeth is a separate area of ​​dentistry - orthodontics.

How an orthodontist can help correct your bite

Orthodontic treatment methods are divided into removable and non-removable. The first include mouth guards - universal or individual transparent plates worn on the teeth. Thermoplastic mouthguards are pre-soaked in hot water and, when put on, accurately follow the shape of the jaw. For more significant deviations from the norm, braces are used, of which iron braces are the most effective and economical. There are also lingual braces that are attached to inside teeth and completely invisible.