{"id":38,"date":"2024-07-15T23:36:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T23:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.braceshouston.com\/blog\/?p=38"},"modified":"2024-07-31T23:39:02","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T23:39:02","slug":"jaw-pops-clicks-should-i-be-worried","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.braceshouston.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/15\/jaw-pops-clicks-should-i-be-worried\/","title":{"rendered":"My Jaw Pops and Clicks \u2014 Should I Be Worried?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most fascinating and complex joints in your body. It controls the movement of your lower jaw, and it is vital for easy eating and speaking. Keeping it healthy is important! But what if you start to notice strange sounds coming from your TMJ<\/a>, such as popping and clicking? Should you be worried? This blog post explains what those noises might mean and when you should seek treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Does Jaw Popping and Clicking Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Does your jaw pop or click when you open your mouth wide, such as when you are biting a tall burger or yawning? That may occur simply because you are hyperextending the joint; a bone in your lower jaw is passing over a ridge in your upper jaw, leading to a slight popping or clicking sensation. This is a normal occurrence and usually not a cause for alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is another type of jaw popping that is more concerning. It occurs when the cartilage-like disc inside the joint gets displaced. You may hear a slight clicking or popping noise as it continually gets repositioned. This usually occurs when the mouth is being closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Seek Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some indications that clicking and popping in your jaw should be evaluated by a TMJ expert:<\/p>\n\n\n\n