[bwkeys45]

About a year ago I had my jaw lock, which was terrifying for me because I have a huge fear of dislocated joints and was convinced I had done it to my jaw. Ever since then, I have been popping my jaw all day, every day, every 20-30 seconds for fear that, if I did not, my jaw would lock again. It makes a clicking sound and, although it doesn't hurt, I am afraid that I am injuring it. Does anyone else have this problem or any other sort of "tick" they can't stop no matter how hard they try?

[Sadley]

I've never had my jaw lock, but mine pops and clicks and makes crackly sounds all the time. I can't move my jaw without it clicking or popping. I find it odd that you have no pain with it, as I am in constant pain and especially while eating. My jaw will pop with every chew. I've been to a TMJ specialist and they gave me injections into the bone of my jaw and splints. The splints DO NOT work. They are very uncomfortable and painful. I would not recommend this. To fix it you have to correct your bite. It is called "organic occlusion". I'm not sure how to find someone who can achieve this. Good luck!

[gnat]

I have similar worries. When I chew my jaw pops. It doesn't hurt, but it is uncomfortable and I worrry I'm going to damage. So far my only treatment is denial and it doesn't work. Its been like this for years.

[gruvingal]

Try bringing your jaw forward and then open. I have TMJ and the doctor told me not to pop it all the time. It causes more wear. My jaw is 1/8" too short. They wanted to do surgery (back in 1989). I saw a show on TV about it and it turned me off! I decided to forgo the surgery back then, but it may have improved by now. I had a study done where they injected dye into my jaws. It showed tearing on both sides. If I wear a mouthpiece at night I won't wake up stuck and in pain.

[bronzeowl]

I have always had a jaw that pops. I can pop it on will the way people pop their knuckles. I try not to do that, but it's become something of a bad habit. It didn't used to lock.. but about a year or so ago, I started having problems with it locking. These problems make it hard to chew, talk, or just open my mouth. It locks on the right side more than the left. The only thing that fixes it... is pushing at it until it pops again. Which I know I should not do, but I cannot afford to have it looked it. I don't know if it is related, but I have a bad bite (an overbite) that I have never been able to afford to have corrected. I, also, have very crooked teeth. If you can afford to have it looked at, I highly recommend doing so. Mine didn't hurt - in the beginning. It definitely does from time to time now. So much sometimes that it makes me want to cry. A mouthpiece might benefit you.

[gnat]

Mine has gotten worse since i commented on this. I never intentionally pop my jaw, it does it on it's own when I eat. It used to rarely hurt, but now the side that doesn't pop hurts a lot and can make eating really difficult. I tried eating a piece of saltwater candy the other day and it was incredibly painful and difficult. I guess it's time to call the dentist.

I googled it and found that stress/anxiety can cause these problems. I have both of those, big time, especially over the past 6 months or so. I may need to use more than denial to treat them.

[bwkeys45]

My orthodontist told me that my years of clenching my teeth in my sleep has messed up my jaw. He also said a mouthguard would help stop it from getting worse, but I need to finish with my post-braces retainers first. Hopefully you guys find some relief!