Many people suffer from hearing a crackling sound in their jaw when they yawn or chew food. Although this is a common problem and is nothing to worry about in most cases, its persistence or increased severity may indicate a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects the movement of the jaw.
According to the UK National Health Service, the disorder is often not serious and may improve on its own, but symptoms should be monitored. If the problem persists or worsens, you may want to see a dentist, especially if bruxism is one of the possible causes, or see a general practitioner for a more accurate assessment.
Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder
Common symptoms of this condition include:
1- Pain around the jaw, ears and temples.
2- You hear crackling, crackling, or scraping sounds when you move your jaw.
3- Headache in the temple area.
4- Difficulty opening your mouth completely.
5- Your jaw closes or droops when you open your mouth.
Pain and discomfort may increase during chewing and during periods of tension or psychological pressure.
What is the cause of temporomandibular joint disorder?
TMJ disorder can occur as a result of several factors, including clenching or grinding of the teeth, long-term wear and tear on the joints, blows to the head or face, stress or mental stress, irregular bites, and teeth alignment problems.
Do I need to go to the dentist?
If teeth grinding is the cause of your problem, you may need to see a doctor. Teeth grinding is often associated with stress and anxiety, and can occur at the same time as sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. Some drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, may also play a role in worsening the problem.
Factors that increase bruxism include smoking, drinking too much caffeine, and using some stimulants.
Bruxism is common in children and adolescents, especially during sleep, and often improves on its own as people get older and their permanent teeth fully develop.
Experts confirm that in addition to seeing a doctor when necessary, monitoring symptoms and avoiding stressors can help address the problem early and prevent it from worsening.
