Jaw Popping

Jaw Popping is only one way to describe it. I had one patient call it a.....Klunk Klunk. Anyway, whether you call it Clicking Jaw, clicking joints or Jaw Popping, it means that the Meniscus (Disc) in the Temporomandibular Joint is out of place.

Now, it's not the end of the world in most cases, but it is very annoying to many. Most people aren't even aware that they have a dislocating disc in their TMJ's.

It can cause problems however...sometimes it will cause Lock Jaw, pain, or just annoying sounds when it pops in and out.

What usually happens is...when the muscles that work the TMJ get tired, overworked, and fatigued (with or without pain), the muscles don't pull the disc in the correct position. That "out of place" position usually is forward and mesial, Whew...mesial might be a new term for you...it means more towards the middle of the head, or more inside than a certain location.

Anyway, the disc usually gets stuck forward and a bit inside of where it should be located when you close your mouth or teeth together.

So, When you open your mouth, your jaw muscles pull the disc forward with the mandible, with the disc on top of the Condyle as a cushioner or pad that pads the bony Condyle from the bony Bony Emminence it rubs against.

So, then you don't have a "bone on bone" situation. So now your mouth is open wide with the disc in place, then when you close your mouth, the disc will slip out of place (from between the bony's) and stay in front of the Condyle instead of on top.

Now your mouth is closed and the disc is out of place. So, if you want the disc back in place, just walk around in life with your mouth wide open....mmmmm, that just reminded me of Jim Carey. OK, i'm kidding about walking around with your mouth open wide.

The Jaw Popping is the sound or thumping that you feel when it goes in and out of place.

If the clicking does not hurt, and does not cause any real life altering problems, it may be best to just leave it alone. You're gonna get lots of opinions about this one...whether or not to treat. I'll need a bunch more space to explain this one. Follow this link.

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