Many of us have had the experience of yawning and feeling the jaw joint pop from overextension, but is it normal for the jaw joint to click, pop or grind when chewing and talking? The short answer is no. When the jaw functions properly, it will open and close smoothly and quietly. It will also feel comfortable to eat just about anything on the menu.
When the jaw joint starts to act up – making sounds or causing pain – it can mean that something is not functioning the way it should. At Proactive Physiotherapy clinic, our physios examine jaw function to ensure that patients remain comfortable whether yawning, laughing or enjoying a meal with friends.
Jaw health is part of overall dental health and being able to chew food like crunchy vegetables can help with whole-body wellness. So, if you have noticed that you avoid certain foods because it’s hard on your jaw, we welcome you to come in for a jaw assessment.
What Causes Jaws to Lock or Click?
Sometimes, jaw dysfunction, called TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), occurs due to trauma such as an auto or sporting accident. Other times, the cause could be more subtle – like the bite not coming together correctly or misaligned teeth or perhaps even issues in the upper cervical spine.
Other signs can include:
- Headaches
- Ringing ears
- Facial or neck pain
- Sensitive teeth
- Bite marks inside the mouth
- Wear on the teeth
Do You Have Headaches or Jaw Pain?
Our compassionate physio team may be able to provide relief for some of the most common symptoms associated with jaw pain. We welcome you to call 07 4053 6222 to arrange an appointment and get the relief you need.