What Causes a Popping Jaw?

Do you experience a popping or crackling sensation in your jaw? While this may seem like nothing more than a minor annoyance, a popping jaw may be a sign of a serious problem. Your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, can diagnose the cause of your popping jaw and recommend comfortable and minimally invasive treatment.
Livingston Popping Jaw Quiz
1. True or False: A popping or cracking jaw may a sign of TMJ disorder.
2. True or False: Jaw joint strain causes TMJ disorder.
3. True or False: There are multiple symptoms if TMD.
4. True or False: Your Livingston dentists offer treatment for TMJ disorder.
Answer Key
1. True. In the United States alone, over ten million people suffer from TMJ disorder, or TMD. If you experience a popping jaw on a regular basis, talk to your Livingston dentists today.
2. True. When the jaw joints endure excessive stress, patients may develop the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. The common causes of jaw joint strain include trauma to the face or jaw, bite misalignment, and teeth grinding.
3. True. Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include: Headaches, earaches, tinnitus, jaw pain, facial aches, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the difficulty opening the mouth that often accompanies TMJ disorder.
4. True. First, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom will examine your jaw and mouth using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. This allows your Livingston dentists to identify the factors behind your TMJ disorder. From there, they can recommend a personalized treatment plan. Some patients may need to perform muscle exercises and apply a warm compress to relieve tension in the jaw joints. Cutting back on hard and chewy foods may also reduce TMJ symptoms. The repetitive chewing motions required for these kinds of foods may exacerbate the problem. Finally, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom may prescribe an oral appliance. Similar to a night guard, this device realigns the jaw and prevents the upper and lower jaw from touching. With a singe treatment, we can address teeth grinding and malocclusion, easing your jaw joint strain.
About Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom: The Silverstrom Dental Group provides the latest in comprehensive dental care for patients in Livingston, NJ and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 797-9345.