jaw click

Schmoo1022 · May 31, 2005

When I open my jaw it clicks. It is really annoying and occationally hurts. Any ideas on what it is?

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Maybe TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint )

Mine clicks as well, and it is pretty aggravating and causes headaches.

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jun 1, 2005

It sure sounds like TMJ to me too. My friend has it, and wore braces for awhile and now wears retainers. Seems to be working for her.

RedSox33RN · Jun 1, 2005

I was originally dx'd w/TMJ (which most insurance companies don't cover - at least none I've had), but in actuality it turned out to be bad degenerative arthritis. I'll require surgery in the next 10 years or so, something I'm NOT looking forward to. I'll finish nursing school, get working and get some darn dental insurance, then have it done.

The best way to know for sure is to see an oral surgeon, who will do a Pan-x and other x-rays.

I know how irritating the click is though. My 14yo daughter, who knows EVERYTHING (don't all teenagers at some point?? LOL) hates eating with me because she can hear it click, and makes sure to TELL me and all others how irritating it is. LOL Like I can control the sunrise also....

JULZ · Jun 1, 2005

I also have tmj. Didn't have it until I was in a car accident and my jaw hit the dash. My dentist makes these special retainers for tmj, if mine gets to the painful point but now it's not too bad. He advises not chewing any gum, raw carrots, or nuts so it doesn't aggrevate it (I say this as I have a piece of gum in my mouth) oops!!!!! hope this helps!

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jun 1, 2005

WannaBRN- Did you ask the oral surgeon if the arthritis could have started as TMJ that went untreated, and become so severe it turned into degenerative arthritis??? Just a thought.

bobnurse · Jun 1, 2005

cant they treat your tmj with a retainer of some type to realign your joint?

lpnstudentin2010, LPN · Jun 1, 2005

the thing is i have always had it but ever since i went to the orthodontist 9 years ago (loads of work needed to be done because my teeth were all over the place, over crowded, had an over bite, and a miss aligned jaw) got my braces off in december (still wear my retainer all the time) and still have this blasted clicking.

cassilee30 · Jun 1, 2005

When I open my jaw it clicks. It is really annoying and occationally hurts. Any ideas on what it is?

I've had that and it's always cured by going to the chiropractor. It usually happens when my neck is out. After I go, my jaw doesn't click or hurt any more. It sure is a lot cheaper and an easier cure than the braces/retainer route and something you might want to check out.

cassi

JustMe · Jun 1, 2005

When I open my jaw it clicks. It is really annoying and occationally hurts. Any ideas on what it is?

My husband had a clicking in his ears when he walked on hard surfaces. Xrays showed his temporomandibular joint on one side was eroding. Many years ago the dentist said he would need to have his jaw fractured and rewired, so he never did it. Now the orthodontist says that surgery would not have completely relieved the problem. So he had braces and now uses a retainer at night. Cost a lot of money, but at least he's not going to suffer in the future not being able to open his mouth. :uhoh21:

Robbind · Jun 1, 2005

When I open my jaw it clicks. It is really annoying and occationally hurts. Any ideas on what it is?

This might help and you need to be religious about doing this.

First off if you are not allergic to nsaids or have no contraindications then try taking some ibuprofen three times daily. Eat only very soft foods and try not opening your mouth too wide for a couple of weeks. No thick sandwhiches or anything that would cause you to open your mouth fully. You can also apply heat.

This is what my dentist prescribed when I had the same problem and it went away. It can be an inflammation. If you did not have an injury , this just might help.