Why Does My Jaw Keep Clicking?

Does your jaw keep making clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth?jaw clicking

You can’t wait to sink your teeth into that delicious sandwich. Your stomach has been growling for what seems like hours and you are ready to no longer be hungry. Of course, when you open your mouth to take your first bite you may notice a surprise clicking sound coming from your jaws. It can be rather unnerving to experience and the dentists at Green Bay Family Dental are here to provide a little insight into why this might be happening.

It’s important to recognize when your jaws start to pop or click. If you notice it mostly when you open your mouth wide (e.g. yawning) then you probably shouldn’t be too worried. This can happen from time to time when you have hyperextended the lower jawbone, which causes it to rub against the upper jawbone.

Of course, it might be time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Ulve, Dr. Heidi Eggers-Ulve or Dr. Jessica Pasono if you notice this popping or clicking sound as you are closing your mouth, or notice that the popping or clicking sound is getting even louder. Those around you may even hear it! Some patients with this problem even report pain or discomfort when this happens. Why? Jaw pain is often the result of overstretched ligaments near the jaw joint.

Why is my jaw clicking?

Most people know this jaw problem as a TMJ disorder. This disorder is the result of jaw joint dysfunction, which can even affect the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaws. If you are experiencing popping or clicking when closing your jaws, jaw pain or swelling, or frequent headaches, then it’s time to give us a call and get a proper evaluation. If it is a TMJ disorder, this can easily be managed with simple lifestyle changes.

If you are experiencing jaw pain that you think may be due to a TMJ disorder, then it’s time to call Green Bay Family Dental to schedule your consultation. We are happy to provide quality, comprehensive dental care to the Northeast Wisconsin area. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for your TMJ disorder.