The proper word for a popping, clicking, or grating sound around the jaw joint is Crepitus. A study released by Dr. Woelfel, discussed in Woelfel's Dental Anatomy, conducted from 1970 to 1986, studying over 1000 jaws of dental and hygiene students to determine how common jaw popping/crepitus was. Dr. Woelfel examined each student. He discovered that over 60% of students had no popping or clicking when they opened their mouth fully and under 40% of students had clicking or popping when they opened their mouth. By the sounds of this study, clicking and popping is pretty common!
What do these sounds mean? It means if the clicking and popping is really disruptive, constant, or painful then you should see a professional for proper TMJ diagnosis and treatment. There are numerous forms of conservative treatments that you can do at home. To learn more about what you can do at home, see our last post: http://thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/08/tips-tricks-for-tmj.html or visit our website: http://www.thetmjdoctor.com/#!life-with-tmj/cwcs.
To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
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Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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