Have you ever noticed a weird “pop” or “click” sound coming from your mouth every time you open it? Be it when you’re yawning or taking a big bite of your sandwich, a sudden pop can make you freeze in your tracks. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people face the same problem, asking themselves, “Why does my jaw pop when I open my mouth?”
Usually, the reason behind this sound is an underlying jaw problem. While a harmless pop here and there isn’t bad, continuing to hear the clicking sounds, especially if there is an uncomfortable pain with it, is not something to brush off. To learn why this happens and how it can be treated holistically, make sure to read this blog.
Is It Normal For Your Jaw to Pop Every Time You Open Your Mouth?
A popping jaw is not normal, but it also isn’t something to worry about. That is to say, if your jaw only pops when you open your mouth, it might simply be because of the pressure being applied to it. This is usually natural and a result of hyperextending the jaw joint. When you stretch your mouth open, it tugs at the connective tissues, sliding them from their dormant position, leading to a loud pop.
However, if your jaw clicks, pops, or locks up all the time, it may be a cause for concern. Not to mention, it can turn into an even bigger risk if the popping sounds continue when you’re eating, speaking, or yawning, as it could be a sign of TMJ disorder.
Does TMJ Go Away?
If your TMJ disorder developed because of a displaced jaw, it might be difficult for it to go away on its own. This is because once the joint slides out of place, it does not automatically go back to its original position.
However, it is important to keep in mind that for most people, the pain and discomfort that come with TMJ fade away as your body gets used to the irregularity. But, in order to make sure your jaw is not at risk of getting worse, it is better to consult with your dentist and let them evaluate for further diagnosis. Usually, self-care habits and practices can ease the pain long-term.
Causes of Jaw Popping
There are numerous reasons why you might be dealing with a case of a popping jaw. Take a look below to see some of the most common causes leading to the sound:
- Excessively chewing gum.
- Biting fingernails.
- Unconsciously thrusting your jaw out.
- You have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
- Constantly biting your lips or cheeks.
- Opening your mouth too wide to eat something big.
- Facial trauma or injury.
- Oral malocclusion.
Treatment
If your jaw keeps popping every single time you open your mouth, the problem might not be as surface-level as you think. The temporomandibular joint has the important job of holding together the lower part of your jaw to the skull. It keeps everything intact by allowing your mouth to move up and down. Thus, when the temporomandibular joint shifts, it leads to a great deal of pain and discomfort.
The disc in your jaw can slip out at any time, destroying the harmony of your facial muscles beneath. Epigenetic dentistry can fix this wrong and make it right again. Only a trained airway-mouth doctor (AMD) can restore the balance of your jaw joint and face through holistic treatments.
In A Nutshell
If you keep asking yourself, “Why does my jaw pop when I open my mouth?” chances are your jaw joint has slid out of place. To ensure you do not end up with a bad case of malocclusion, contact Whole Health Dental Center at (703) 385-6425 or drop by our clinic for an in-depth evaluation and treatment.