What's wrong with my jaw?

For a while now, my jaw's been a bit "abnormal," as in it does a funny popping/cracking on the left side when I open my mouth sometimes, for example: when I yawn. It hasn't been painful until now. Two days ago, I was eating when it did the "pop/crack" thing and it started to hurt. Right now, when I open my mouth wide, it's uncomfortable and harder to do than usual, not quite stiff; it just doesn't feel very pleasant.

Can anyone tell me what's going on??

edit: I haven't cut myself with anything rusty and I've had the "popping" for a few years now. Usually it's just annoying, but this time, it really hurt. My orthodontist has witnessed this "popping" when she asked me to open my mouth when it got stuck. I forced it and an almighty CRACK resounded. She didn't express any serious concern though. Could this still be TMJ?

Posted 7 months ago

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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

What you describe sounds like a case of TMJ syndrome. You must talk to your dentist and he may refer you to an specialist ( orthodontist ). You will probably be prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants and you will have to wear a retainer to avoid damage to your teeth and help you relax your jaw muscles.

Posted 7 months ago

Other 10 Answers to What's wrong with my jaw?

GDGGirl	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 6:48PM You have TMJ. I have it too and mine does the same darn thing. I got it from when my wisdon teeth were removed 15 years ago. Mine is not painful thou. Check with your dentist but there is not much they can do other than break your jaw and reset it or something like that. Good luck and I totally get what your saying....annoying is a word! Rated: +2Vote for this!
sameswag	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 3:46PM I would go to the doctor. Did you cut yourself with anything rusty? It could mean that you need a tetnis (sp) shot. Or it sounds like a good case of TMJ, which means you should make an appointment with your dentist. It could also be that you need to drink more water b/c your jaw is getting stiff (is it like a muscle cramp?) Or it could be stress. You carry a lot of stress in your cheekbones and jaw. Try massaging your jaw (the place where it connects on the side of your head) and relax your facial muscles. Rated: +2Vote for this!
backjacktaketwo	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 6:48PM You have a TMJ disorder. Go see your dentist..they're trained in this thing. Rated: +2Vote for this!
KevinsAngel	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 6:48PM My jaw also does that and my dentist told me it was tmj but didn't show any concern. I don't really know what it is but that sounds like what you have. Rated: +2Vote for this!
missmadam	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 6:48PM What is TMJ?? Not sure ..please explain someone. Thanks Rated: +2Vote for this!
lostbird	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 4:58PM Mine did that for YEARS....my dentist noticed but never gave it a name! One day it just popped back in all by itself. Now my daughter has it....and a very good friend of mine.... More just irritating than serious I think. Rated: +1Vote for this!
gooddog99	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 6:19PM For jaw problems see your dentist. I had something like this. In my case she said it was stress related - I was clenching my teeth all the time, even in sleep - anger, anxiety, fustration etc might cause it. But might not be the same for you. She said it was most common in teenage girls but as I am a 53 year old man it affects others too! I have learned to relax to avoid this. Rated: +1Vote for this!
Rob22make3	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 6:54PM Missmadam,TMJ refers to the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (the joint where your jaw joins the rest of your skull),and generically to problems with it that typically include "popping" or grating noises,stiffness and headaches. These are mostly associated with stress-related tooth grinding. Rated: +1Vote for this!
Duana	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 9:57PM you probably grind your teeth in your sleep without realizing this. This can make your jaw tense and even locked. Also if you are worried or self conscious about yourself or something else, you could be tightening your jaw without even realizing it. Rated: +1Vote for this!
Zurie	Posted Apr 1st, 2009 at 10:17PM Probably TMJ, I have the same problem and it is because I have a crooked bite. It happens because your tendons that hold the jaw joint together get pulled or twisted out of their usual position. There are exercises you can do and things to help the pain like ice if it doesn't go away right away. There are mouth guards you can wear at night if you clench your teeth. Clenching your teeth seems to make the joint more inflamed and thus the tendons aren't as flexible. Rated: +1Vote for this!

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