Can you fix a clicking jaw

If there's a food that you're eating that causes your jaw to hurt, you need to avoid that food in that form, at least until your jaw's starting to feel more relaxed.

An injury to the jaw can create these popping and clicking episodes, and if it's the first event, I usually tell patients to give it at least two to three weeks to see if it will resolve on its own. And with a softer diet, they may find that things get back to normal again. If that doesn't happen, then you should go in and see your dentist and find out if there's something more that needs to be done.

Lowder: It can, especially if there is pain. It usually signals strain to the muscles or an inflammatory condition which can eventually lead to some arthritic degeneration in the joint, and then that starts to limit function and creates changes in your bite.

So it needs to be addressed under those circumstances. Interviewer: So if I understand correctly, if I start developing a popping in my jaw, and it's painful, back off on what I'm eating, eat some softer foods for a couple of weeks, and if it still continues, that would be the time to see my dentist , or should I go in right away?

Lowder: I think if it's a first episode that has never happened before, then it's valid to wait two or three weeks just to see if it will go away on its own.

If it were to reoccur in another month, then there's something going on that your body's trying to signal to you that the stresses in those areas are exceeding its ability to recover. Lowder: What I usually do is to initiate use of an inter-oral appliance that we call a dental splint, and it creates a buffer for the jaw and the teeth to function to.

It needs to be adjusted properly so that it is maximum stability, and it doesn't create a new problem for the muscles and joints to deal with. But if it is adjusted properly, it will often relieve the muscle strain and also decompress the joint tissues so that the inflammation has a chance to resolve.

I think the real key here is if you have jaw issues that are painful, it is worth going and getting an evaluation by a qualified dentist who can manage TMJ-type issues so they don't cause worse problems later. Announcer: Have a question about a medical procedure? Want to learn more about a health condition? Check it out at TheScopeRadio. Subscribe to Our e-Newsletter. Find a doctor or location close to you so you can get the health care you need, when you need it.

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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