Crunching the jaw when you open your mouth or chew is a more common discomfort than it seems. Although in many cases it does not cause pain, this symptom can be an indicator of alterations in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a complex structure that connects the jaw with the skull and allows such basic functions as talking, eating or yawning. From our dental clinic in Malaga, we want to tell you that if you have noticed noises, clicks or a feeling of blockage in the mandibular area, it is important that you understand the possible causes and how to act on time.
Causas del crujido mandibular: lo que deberías saber
The origin of jaw creaking may be due to multiple factors, and not all have the same severity. One of the most common causes is temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), which occurs when there is an imbalance in the joint and muscle system that regulates jaw movements. This dysfunction can result from stress, bruxism (clenching or gnashing of the teeth, especially at night), bad postures or even a misaligned bite.
It is also common for jaw creaking to occur after trauma, dental surgery or progressive wear of the joint, especially in patients who have lost several teeth without refilling them. In these cases, the jaw may perform an extra effort that directly affects the TMJ. Although not always manifested with pain, repeated joint noise should not be ignored as it can lead to functional limitations over time.
Does jaw creaking always require treatment?
The response depends on the intensity, frequency and presence of pain or other discomfort. In many cases, a mild jaw crunch without pain or functional limitations does not require immediate treatment, although follow-up is required. Treatment may vary depending on the origin of the problem. In mild cases, mandibular relaxation exercises, occlusal adjustments or the manufacture of a discharge splint may be sufficient. In more complex situations, physiotherapy, orthodontics or even surgery may be necessary, although these cases are less common.
Symptoms associated with jaw creaking
Jaw creaking is not usually seen in isolation. In many cases, it is accompanied by discomfort that can significantly affect daily life, some of them are:
- Pain when chewing or opening the mouth: it is one of the most obvious signs. The pain may be located in the joint area, radiate to the ear, or occur on a timely basis when you make certain movements such as yawning or eating hard food.
- Click or click when moving the jaw: That small sound that appears when opening or closing the mouth often indicates a misalignment in the temporomandibular joint. Although it may seem harmless at first, repeated frequency is a sign of functional impairment.
- Limitation of mandibular movement: many people notice that their mouth does not open completely or that they have to move it sideways to do so. This restriction may appear progressively or after an episode of muscular tension or stress.
- Headaches or cervical pain: problems in the jaw can lead to tension headaches or neck discomfort. This is due to the muscular connection between the jaw, the base of the skull and the cervical musculature, which is affected by the dysfunction.
- Feeling of blockage or stiffness in the jaw: in some cases, the jaw seems to be stuck or blocked temporarily, forcing forced movements to reposition it. This can cause anxiety and difficulty talking or eating normally.
How to deal with jaw creaking: prevention and professional advice
Paying attention to the body’s signals is the first step. If you experience jaw creaking accompanied by other symptoms, don’t miss it. Maintaining good posture hygiene, reducing stress, avoiding hard foods and seeing the dentist regularly can make a difference. In Clínica Dental Gross we help you to identify the origin of your discomfort and find the most suitable solution. Do not wait any longer and contact us.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.