Some people experience an unpleasant symptom when their jaw clicks when they chew or open their mouths. Many try not to pay attention to it. However, a crunch or clicks of the jaw indicate a violation of the function of the temporomandibular joint. The correct shape and position of the teeth is the key to the normal functioning of the joint of the lower jaw.
So why does the jaw snap when chewing? The causes of this symptom may be different:
- Increased tooth abrasion, leading to a change in their anatomical shape.
- The presence of artificial crowns selected without taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
- Injury to the face, which led to damage to the jaw.
- Rugged teeth that form the wrong taste.
- Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.
- Incorrect treatment of a dentist or orthodontist.
- Cartilage wear in the joint of the lower jaw.
- Subluxation of the jaw joint due to a strong yawn or a quick bite of a solid vegetable or fruit.
A snapping jaw causes a lot of inconvenience. What to do? First, you should consult an orthodontist who will help assess the situation and identify the causes of an unpleasant symptom. If necessary, he will refer to other specialists to conduct a full examination of the function of the temporomandibular joint. The same specialist will draw up an individual treatment plan.
Signs of dysfunction of
the temporomandibular joint can also be:
- Erase enamel on teeth.
- Hypersensitivity of teeth.
- Visible tooth defects.
- Chewing pain in the muscles of the jaw or jaw, extending to the ear.
- Muscle tension in the head or neck.
- Pain in closing jaw.
With a late visit to the doctor, the snapping jaw and other symptoms can lead to irreversible consequences, such as a restriction in opening the mouth or impaired speech and facial expressions. There are frequent cases when a person opened his mouth, but could no longer close it. Therefore, the snapping jaw is an occasion for urgent medical attention.
How to cope with this problem? If there is no pain, then ordinary gymnastics helps well, for example, moving the jaw sideways and forward. Often, treatment consists in restoring missing teeth or in setting them in the correct position. Dental abrasion is treated according to the method of Rudolf Slavichek. The method is quite time-consuming, but very effective. In the complex treatment, an important role is played by analgesics and sedatives, which give the elimination of symptoms. Chewing gum is contraindicated for patients , they are recommended a safety pad between the teeth at the time of sleep.
When the snapping jaw brings strong pain, you should attach a damp warm towel to it and drink an anesthetic. Self-massage of the muscles of the neck and head is also a help for pain. The outcome of recovery depends on timely seeking help. Launched cases sometimes cannot be completely cured, which leads the patient to life-long problems. Remember that a disease is easier to prevent than to treat it.