Does your Jaw Click? It Might be TMJ Disorder

Reviewed by  Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

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CLICKING AND POPPING JAW: A CLASSIC SYMPTOM OF TMJ

If you hear or feel your jaw popping and clicking, you may wonder if it’s associated with TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJD). Though many people who are diagnosed with TMJ experience this symptom, in some cases, it’s completely unrelated. No matter what the cause of your noisy jaw may be, it’s wise to get it checked out by a dentist. If indeed your clicking jaw is associated with TMJ, you’ll want to be proactive about treatment. Along with TMJ exercises and lifestyle and dietary changes, getting an FDA-cleared TMJ mouthguard from CustMbite is one of the most effective ways to reduce the pain associated with TMJ symptoms like a clicking or popping jaw. Learn more about how a mouthguard can support the treatment of your TMJD below.

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WHY IS MY JAW POPPING?
If you feel your jaw popping when chewing, the cause could be TMJD. The TMJ is a complex joint, and many things must work together smoothly. The muscles, ligaments, bones, and discs of the joint must be aligned properly and move without restriction. One cause of a clicking jaw can be a disc that’s out of alignment or eroded, which is associated with TMJ.However, a clicking jaw may also be caused by a number of other things, such as overextending the jaw during yawning or eating, for example. Jaw popping could also be related to bruxism (or teeth grinding) habitual chewing gum use, arthritis, or another injury to the jaw.If you have a normal range of motion and there’s no pain involved with your jaw clicking, you likely won’t need to be treated for TMJ. You may have underlying causes like bruxism that cause your jaw to pop, though, so it’s important to mention any jaw popping to your dentist and doctor so they can help you make a solid decision.
CAN A CLICKING JAW AND TMJ BE COMPOUNDED BY BRUXISM?
A clicking jaw can be caused by and a cause of bruxism, and both are associated with TMJ. Teeth grinding and clenching increase the pressure on the jaw. Though the chewing motion is natural, the body doesn’t account for the wear and tear on the TMJ that is caused by bruxism. Bruxism fatigues the muscles and can even pull the jaw joint out of alignment, leading to additional problems with the temporomandibular joint.If you brux, your dentist will likely recommend a nightguard, but before you spend your hard-earned money on a custom TMJ guard from a dentist, do some research. CustMbite mouthguards for TMJ are an affordable, do-it-yourself option that provides you with a custom-fit TMJ mouthguard at home.

HOW TO STOP JAW CLICKING

There are many things that a dentist might suggest to ameliorate TMJ symptoms like a clicking jaw. One of the most popular methods is a mouthguard, particularly if your jaw popping is related to bruxism. Mouthguards are able to relieve the pressure on your teeth, which can help to reduce pain on your teeth and jaw. TMJ mouthguards also allow your jaw to rest in a natural position, allowing the muscles to recover. It’s one of the easiest ways to address TMJ symptoms - you can do it in your sleep! The problem is, the TMJ mouthguards you can get from your dentist can be pricey and inconvenient, and over-the-counter options don’t really cut the mustard. What's the solution?

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CUSTOM-FIT TMJ MOUTHGUARDS FROM CUSTMBITE

At CustMbite, our goal is to bridge the divide between expensive dental appliances and subpar over-the-counter brands. Using our patented fitting material called VistaMaxx, we set out to create the best TMJ mouthguard available today. We consulted with dental professionals to design a mouthguard that provides you with a custom fit that’s as good - or even better - than the one you can get from your dentist. We also wanted to be sure that CustMbite went above and beyond what you’ve come to expect from typical bite-and-boil TMJ mouthguards.

  • Old guards:
  • Tricky: Inferior guards require you to boil water and then hold the guard in your mouth for several minutes.
  • Bulky: Other guards rely on thick, bulky materials to provide protection.
  • Wimpy: Despite their thickness, bruxers can grind right through them.
  • Icky: Other guards are made of questionable materials that get stinky fast, absorbing saliva and bacteria that could even make you sick.
  • CustMbite TMJ guards:
  • Easy: All you need is a microwave and two minutes of your time to get a custom-fit guard. 
  • Breezy: VistaMaxx makes a mouthguard so thin that you can talk, drink, and breathe comfortably.
  • Durable: Despite its incredibly thin profile, a CustMbite TMJ mouthguard provides top-notch shock absorption through even the heaviest bruxism.
  • Fresh: VistaMaxx is nonporous, so saliva and bacteria wash right off with cold water and a toothbrush or a dishwasher.

If you’re still thinking of mouthguards as inconvenient and uncomfortable, a CustMbite mouthguard for TMJ will change your mind. If you’re ready to address the effects that your clicking and popping jaw have on your life, buy the best mouthguard for TMJ now.

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Your comfort is our highest priority.

 

Sleep comfortably with CustMbite. Bruxism and TMJ disorder, both often caused by teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, can cause many problems, including jaw discomfort, headaches, and sleep disruption.

 

With CustMbite, you can rest assured knowing that our nightguard was created specifically with your comfort in mind. Our patented Vistamaxx™ material will provide a snug and secure fit to your teeth, so not only will they be protected from grinding and clenching, you'll also sleep comfortable every night.

 

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Reviewed by:

Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

Monroe Elkin got a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy at Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York. He then earned a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the University of Rutgers School of Dentistry in Newark New Jersey. Dr. Elkin owned and operated his own dental practices for 29 years where he specialized in treating oral injuries for athletes, fabricated custom fitted mouth guards and performed both general and trauma dentistry for athletes at Wagner College as dentist for the athletic department. He also performed cosmetic dentistry including implants, crown and bridges, bonding and endodontics. Dr. Elkin has been a part of 3 publications and has held various positions volunteering for organizations that are about sports dentistry and oral care.