Why does the jaw crunch when chewing? Today, many people are faced with this issue. The causes of a crunch in the jaw joint can be different and completely unrelated to each other. Perhaps the problem is related to structural features or minor physiological disturbances. But what if there were no deviations before, and suddenly a crunch appeared? We will consider the answer to this question in this review.
Physiological features
Today, many people face such a problem when the jaw crunches when opening their mouths. Moreover, such a problem can accompany a person from birth. Usually it manifests itself with heavy loads on the jaw. In the absence of other symptoms, this phenomenon is not considered dangerous. However, if the crunch brings significant discomfort, it is better to contact a qualified specialist.
Jaw crunch in childhood
So what do you need to know about this? In young children and adolescents, the jaw often snaps when chewing. The reasons for this phenomenon are due to the fact that the required amount of synovial fluid is not always formed in the joints. As a result, a crunch appears, not only in the jaw joints, but also in the knees. In this case, the doctor usually prescribes special drugs that stimulate the release of synovial fluid. But first, it is necessary to conduct an examination to exclude other pathologies.
Reasons related to professional activities
Sometimes, when chewing, the jaws begin to crackle in some professions. This is especially true for those who, by the nature of their activity, have to talk and sing a lot. Crunch and clicks can develop over the years and gradually become permanent. This condition is not always accompanied by serious pathologies. After completion of professional activity, deviation usually returns to normal. This is due to a decrease in the load on the joints of the jaws.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Why does the jaw crunch when chewing? Perhaps the reason lies in a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. It can affect various bone elements of the body, including the mandibular joint. Cartilage tissue gradually begins to undergo inflammation and can no longer perform a connective function. As a result, their atrophy occurs. This condition occurs as a result of injuries, infections or improperly performed operations. Over time, clicks and crunches become periodic. Swelling of the lower face and a feeling of stiffness while chewing food may also be added.
Neurosis
What you need to know about this? Another answer to the question "why the jaw crunches when chewing" is a neurosis. This condition can be caused by prolonged stress. Due to nervous excitement, some parts of the body are constrained. Jaw joints are no exception, because they are almost always in a state of tension. Clicking and crunching usually occur amidst static attacks.
Malocclusion
How does it affect the issue in question? Sometimes the jaw crunches when opening the mouth due to malocclusion. The beginnings of future teeth begin to form in the infant in the womb. Dentists today distinguish several types of jaw closure disorders. If this deficiency cannot be corrected in childhood, it can affect joint health with age. In addition to crunching and clicking, this can result in damage to tooth enamel.
Muscle tissue features
This aspect should be given special attention. The cause of crunching may be due to the characteristics of muscle tissue. It can be characterized by high elasticity and density. Some muscles are tensile and very flexible. If the fibers are malleable, then their ability to fix the joint will be significantly lower. As a result, there is a decrease in the tone of the ligamentous apparatus. Weakening can gradually lead to loosening of the lower jaw in the joint. Outwardly, this practically does not appear, since distortions are insignificant. Over time, symptoms such as a chewing crunch and facial asymmetry may increase.
Wrong food
Dislocation of the jaw joints can be caused by inaccurate mechanical actions during chewing. Injury to the jaw can occur with strong yawning or chewing of solid foods. A crunch occurs immediately and is accompanied by acute pain. It is almost impossible to put the jaw in its place with such damage. The patient will need to see a surgeon. After setting the jaw, discomfort may appear. Crunching and clicking will continue for some time.
Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids
What you need to know about this? Sometimes crunching and clicking of the jaw appear due to inflammation in the glands and adenoids. If such a problem occurs, the patient is usually prescribed surgery. Crunching may increase with difficulty swallowing. Often the child’s jaw clicks for this reason.
Bruxism
In adults and children, tooth grinding is sometimes observed. This problem is especially pronounced at night. This deviation in medicine is called bruxism. During rest, the jaw muscles involuntarily contract. As a result, the teeth begin to rub against each other. In the daytime, this disease is manifested by a crunch in the jaw. In babies, the disease goes away with age. By 7 years, a crunch in the joints should be eliminated.
More serious pathologies
What to do if the jaw crunches? Pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. The following symptoms should be cause for real concern:
- soreness when opening the mouth, gritting of teeth and chewing;
- discomfort with pressure on the right or left side;
- ringing or tinnitus;
- pain radiates to the lower part of the face and ears;
- swelling and redness;
- pain occurs even during a conversation.
Crunch in the joint can be associated with serious pathology. But diagnosing this condition is usually very difficult. To accurately determine the causes, you should undergo a full examination of the body, take tests, do a CT scan of the jaw.
Diagnostics
Specialists such as an orthopedist, dentist, surgeon can treat problems with the jaw. It all depends on the cause of the disease. To determine the condition of the joints, it is necessary to undergo a detailed examination. The most complete picture will give CT jaw. If you suspect arthritis, arthrosis, or rheumatism, you should undergo arthroscopy. It consists in the introduction of a special tool in the jaw joint. This diagnostic method allows you to determine the degree of joint damage. Exact diagnostic methods also include x-rays.
Treatment
The treatment technique is developed strictly individually in each case. It should take into account the severity of the pathology, as well as physiological abnormalities. To reduce the load on the joint and relieve tension in the muscles, the articular splint can be used. It acts instantly and helps eliminate all symptoms associated with impaired functioning of the joint. Together with the bus, the doctor can also prescribe other methods of treatment.
These include:
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- muscle relaxation exercises;
- compresses.
The articular splint is developed individually, taking into account the size of the upper and lower jaw. A silicone sealant is usually used as the base. After installation on the problem area, the tire creates maximum relaxation of muscle fibers. As a result, pain is reduced.
As for physiotherapeutic procedures, the following methods are most often used:
- laser therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- exposure to ultrasound.
Physiotherapy helps to deliver targeted medicine to the affected area. In this case, the effect does not cause an allergic reaction and side effects. The complex of such procedures helps to cure damaged joints, which cause a crunch in the jaw. Regular physiotherapy helps to restore bone and cartilage, and also eliminates pain in a short time.
In the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, glucocorticosteroids are indispensable. They suppress the immune response and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the affected joint. Hormones can be administered orally, intravenously or directly into the joint. A few hours after the adoption, changes in the state of bone tissue are already noted, pain is reduced, edema subsides. Intra-articular injections can be administered only after pumping liquid out of it. For a certain time after the injection, the patient needs observation.
Non-steroid drugs are used to relieve symptoms. If the jaw hurts on the right while chewing, then non-systemic drugs can be used to alleviate the patient's condition. They are not addictive, relieve discomfort and swelling.
Therapy "Botulinum" is used in orthopedic practice relatively recently. The drug has many contraindications, so they should be used with caution. Even the minimum dose of the drug has a strong therapeutic effect. Immediately after the introduction of the drug, the muscles relax, and the degenerative processes in the joints cease, the crunch and clicks gradually disappear. The drug is directly injected into the affected joint.
Another effective group of drugs is chondroprotectors. They help maintain the joint in good condition. Reception of these funds ensures the normal functioning of bone elements. Funds should be prescribed as early as possible until arthritis has completely ruined the joint.
Dentist treatment
“When I chew, the jaw clicks near the ear” - such complaints can often be heard in the dentist’s office. Consultation with this specialist is necessary if the crunch is associated with an incorrect bite or poor-quality seal. For treatment, the dentist may prescribe a special course. Its duration will depend on the complexity of the necessary procedures. In some cases, it takes months to correct the bite.
Surgical methods
In the event of serious complications, the intervention of a qualified professional may be required. The operation is carried out with chronic dislocation, adhesions of nearby tissues, immobilization of the joint. To date, arthroplasty is considered the most common treatment technique.
Recommendations
In many cases, unpleasant phenomena associated with a crunch of the jaw can be avoided. To do this, it is enough to observe the following recommendations.
- At the first symptoms, it is necessary to consult a therapist. The doctor in accordance with your complaints will give you a referral to specialist specialists.
- To reduce pain, you can use painkillers.
- In the event of a pronounced edema, in no case should you apply warm compresses. They can only strengthen the inflammatory process.
- Solid foods, as well as foods requiring chewing effort, should be excluded from the diet for some time. This will help reduce the load on the jaw joints.
Conclusion
In this review, we examined in detail why the jaw crunches when chewing. The reasons for this phenomenon can be various: from a lack of nutrients and trace elements to serious damage to bone tissue. Therefore, it is extremely important to contact a qualified specialist with this problem. He will conduct a detailed diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Typically, the course includes taking medication and physiotherapy. With serious joint dislocations, the application of a special tire will be required. If the problem is associated with a malocclusion, consult a dentist.
Sometimes the cause of the crunch is associated with the use of hard and hard to chew food. "Chewing gum for a long time, now the jaw hurts" - such complaints can often be heard from patients. In this case, it is enough to refuse such products for a while, and the normal functioning of the joint will be restored.