Do I possible have TMJ/TMD (sudden clicking in jaw)?

Hi Cynthia,

It's likely that the clicking sound you heard was from your TMJ, but its also important to note that clicking of the joints, whether the TMJ, your knees, or other joints, is often harmless. The fact that you had no pain when you experienced the clicking is also a positive sign. 

Sometimes people can grind their teeth in their sleep without realising it, and sometimes orthodontics can change the bite in subtle ways which can have an effect on the TMJ. Age related degeneration of the joint tissues can also sometimes have an impact on TMJ function.

From what you have described as your current symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much. But if the clicking becomes more noticeable, or is assosciated with any pain or deviation of the jaw I would go and see your dentist who can perform further tests and see if there's a problem.

Hi Cynthia

I totally agree with Dr James that there is most likely nothing to worry about.

Often times these things come and go.

One thing I would add is that headaches are commonly associated with TMD/bruxism related issues. 

I'm currently in a course and have been "buddied" with a dentist and we have a theory that the headache component of hangovers is more likely to be caused by jaw clenching than anything else.

If you are a regular headache sufferer and a bit of a clencher it is worth discussing it with your dentist or a practitioner (osteo/physio) that works with TMJ related issues.

There are very simple techniques to decrease the tension of jaw muscles that can help.

Sincerely

Bill Adamson

errolstosteo.com.au

Hi Cynthia,

Further to the other contributors, I would also advise not to be worried. Clicking in the jaw is very common, affecting about 1 in 5 people. IF there are no other symptoms, it should not be a concern, but if you develop other symptoms, it could be a sign it is worsening. To prevent it getting worse, you should avoid any hard or chewy foods and excessive repetitive chewing. This means no Minties for you and only a maximum of 2-3 pieces of (sugar-free) gum a day.

In terms of orthodontics, unless it was recent, it is likely unrelated. A lot of study has been done on this issue and those who have completed orthodontic treatment are actually less likely to have TMJ problems. Interestingly, in the 80s, a lady in America sued her orthodontist and won as she developed TMJ problems after her orthodontics. This put the whole field of orthodontics into question and a lot of studies were carried out to investigate any link between orthodontics and TMJ problems.

Certainly, without any trauma, my suspicion would be bruxism, even though you mentioned you don't grind your teeth. Here's the reason. Almost everyone grinds their teeth. Some people do it a lot, some only a little. The problem arises when you use too much force or do it too frequently. Then damage occurs to the teeth and can tire the muscles and damage the joint. If you develop any other symptoms, then you should certainly see your dentist. However, if your symptoms do not progress, it could be that it was just a transient episode.

Hope this helps to clarify the other practitioners comments.

regards

Frank Farrelly

Darlinghurst Dental

30 Burton Street, Darlinghurst

http://darlinghurstdental.com.au

Hi Cynthia,

a possible reason that you may have developed clicking, is that it may be normal for you to have a little more flexibilty in your joints than average. Opening your mouth to 4 fingers width is pretty wide. Maybe your elbows or finger joints tend to extend beyond straight when you stretch them out? In this case the small disc within the jaw joint, has more room to move around allowing it to move into more extreme positions. If the disc goes a little too far forward, then when you open your jaw past a certain point, the bones run out of contact with the disc and you hear a little click as it pops off the end, and maybe another when it pops back into contact again.

If you do have joint hypermobility you may benefit from a consultation with a practioner who can show you some simple ways to look after your jaw joints and prevent this from developing into a problem.

Another confusing thing is that 'TMJ' is the short form of saying 'Jaw Joint'. Ironically, it is also used as a description of having a problem with your jaw, and clicking is often listed as one of the symptoms. Just because your jaw is clicking doesn't mean that you will go on to have the long list of problems which you may have read about.

I hope this helps.

Hi Cynthia,

You have already received very good advice about TMJ/jaw joints and possible causes for clicking. I wonder also if you hear the clicking on both sides or just one side of the jaw? The way chewing and swallowing muscles are used habitually can have an impact on your jaw joints. If it is one-sided, it can be very useful to pay attention to whether you prefer chewing on one side of the mouth to the other. If so, try to keep it even, and this will help the muscles in your face, that open and close the jaw work evenly.

Kind regards