Do you hear a cracking sound or feel a snapping sensation during mastication or yawning? Jaw-cracking is a symptom that may indicate an issue with the temporomandibular joint. If your jaw articulations are stiff or your muscles feel impinged, consult a dentist immediately!
Causes of cracking jaw
- Injuries to the jaw following an accident
- Blow to the head or the neck (cervical lesion)
- Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Issue with jaw development affecting the alignment of teeth, causing pain during mastication
- Contraction of jaw muscles during periods of stress
- Tooth-grinding at night
Before visiting your dentist…
- Relax! When you experience stress, you may contract your jaw muscles subconsciously. Monitor your stress levels, and remember to relax your jaw muscles during tense moments!
- Wet a swab with hot or cold water and run it over tired or painful muscles. If cold water increases discomfort, use hot water, and vice versa.
- Avoid placing the superior and inferior teeth together, except when chewing.
- Be careful what you eat. Avoid sticky foods and gum. Foods that are difficult to masticate should also be avoided.
The best advice we can offer: When you feel your jaw cracking, contact us. We’ll discuss the problem and find a solution for you.
