Are you currently in pain or discomfort due to jaw popping and locking? Jaw popping and locking can become debilitating when it doesn’t go away. Jaw pain not only prevents you from concentrating on crucial tasks, but also makes you unable to eat, speak, or rest properly. How do you stop your jaw from popping and locking? Before we look at tips to stop jaw discomfort and pain, let’s take a look at why it happens.
Jaw Popping And Locking: Why Does It Happen?
Jaw popping and locking, as well as jaw pain, could be a sign of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). It is important to get it checked out if you experience chronic pain. Many factors can lead to jaw popping and locking:
- Grinding your teeth
- Clenching your jaw
- Biting the inside of your cheeks or lips
- Chewing too much gum
Other conditions can also result in jaw popping and locking. This includes tumors, overextension, infection, sleep apnea, an over or underbite, arthritis, jaw injuries, myofascial pain syndrome, and more.
Jaw Popping and Locking: How to Deal With It?
Now that you understand the common causes of jaw popping and locking, let’s take a look at how you can deal with it.
Relieve Jaw Pressure
You might have a bad habit of grinding or clenching your teeth when you are stressed. Make sure to keep your teeth slightly apart and relax your jaw as much as possible to reduce pain and pressure.
Eat Softer Food
If you are currently experiencing jaw discomfort or pain, it is important to switch to eating softer food. Crunchy, hard, and chewy food can exacerbate the situation and make things worse. Some soft foods you can eat include smoothies, yogurt, beans, porridge, and cooked vegetables.
Work on Your Posture And Movement
If you notice your jaw beginning to pop and lock, make sure to not make any large movements with your face. You shouldn’t try to stretch your mouth to fix it, as it can cause further damage and pain.
Good posture will also do wonders for your jaw. You can include basic exercises and improve your posture to reduce the pain in your face, jaw, teeth, and neck.
Talk to A Professional
Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the perfect solution to your jaw locking and popping issues, especially if you are unaware of the root cause. A healthcare professional will be able to recommend relaxation techniques and movements, as well as provide other solutions for your situation by examining your jaw.
Combat Jaw Popping And Locking with Head Pain Institute
If you’re suffering from chronic jaw popping and locking issues, do not worry. Our team of specialists at Head Pain Institute will be able to help you to find long-term relief. As the leading providers for the treatment of TMJ or TMD disorders, as well as sleep apnea and head, neck, or ear pain, you can trust us to be able to find the root cause. Let us help treat your jaw popping and locking problem with our evidence-based treatment methods. Contact us today if you would like to schedule an appointment!
