20 Sep What Clicking in Your Jaw When You Speak or Chew Can Mean
Do you ever notice a clicking or popping sound or sensation when you open your mouth wide? Some people notice this when they are chewing their food; others when they are speaking; and still others only on occasion when they have to open their mouths wider than usual.
Regardless of the specific background behind this experience, if you are noticing a clicking or popping, it may be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (called “TMJ” for short).
TMJ is a condition in which the joint where your jaw connects to your skull is not operating exactly right. It can vary in severity from person to person, and the outcome of the condition can range from mild annoyance to serious discomfort and even potential damage to your teeth and jaw.
IF YOU SUSPECT TMJ, COME SEE US!
TMJ is definitely not something you should try to diagnose on your own. Although the symptoms can be hard to miss, sometimes you may have TMJ and not even know it. Other times, you may realize there is an issue, but you may not understand just how severe your condition may be.
We have been practicing dentistry for a long time, and we have helped untold numbers of people suffering from TMJ. If you think you may have this condition, we need to see you as soon as we can. We will take a look at the way your jaw moves when you open and close it, and we may take some X-rays.
Once we make a diagnosis of TMJ, we can sit down with you and discuss your options for treatment. These could include the use of orthodontic devices such as a special mouth guard, certain exercises and-in extreme cases-surgery.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (512) 643-6060 today.