The orthodontist named the reasons for the clicks in the jaw

A slight click in the jaw when opening the mouth can be a signal of joint malfunction. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) provides mobility of the lower jaw and is involved in every conversation, chewing or yawning. Therefore, any failures in his work cannot be ignored, Irina Butorina, an orthodontist and ambassador of the EUROKAPPA Academy, told Izvestia on October 30.

According to the specialist, TMJ is a complex mechanism in which the lower jaw connects to the skull. At the junction are the articular fossa and the condyle, a bony element that moves with each opening of the mouth. A cartilaginous disc is located between them, which softens movement and distributes the load. When the joint is functioning properly, the movements are free, without pain or sounds.

Clicks and crunches occur when the jaw shifts relative to its normal position. At the same time, the trajectory of movement changes, and the articular disc begins to work with overload.

"If the load is distributed incorrectly, the disc experiences pressure, which eventually leads to inflammation and swelling. Gradually, its structure thickens, there are characteristic clicks, pain and a feeling of stiffness," explains the doctor.

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Such symptoms may occur with malocclusion, tooth loss, or an incorrect position of the lower jaw. In these cases, the load is distributed unevenly and one joint works more actively than the other.

"The jaw is a system of counterweights. If the balance is disturbed, the joint suffers. Therefore, it is important to consider the TMJ not separately, but as part of a single dental system," Butorina notes.

If the problem is not treated, the inflammation progresses, the disc becomes thinner and may deform. In severe cases, the joint is blocked: a person cannot fully open his mouth, pain, crunching and tension appear in the muscles of the face.

However, not every click is cause for alarm. Sometimes the joint makes sounds due to individual structural features or a slight displacement of the disc. If there is no pain and restrictions in movement, this is a variant of the norm. But if the clicks are accompanied by pain, fatigue, headaches, or the inability to open your mouth wide, you should consult a doctor, the expert says.

TMJ problems are dealt with by a gnatologist dentist, as well as an orthodontist. In most cases, treatment is aimed at restoring the correct jaw position and evenly distributing the load. Bite correction, prosthetics of missing teeth or wearing an individual mouth guard helps to relieve excess pressure from the joint and return it to normal.

"The sooner a person seeks help, the easier it is to solve the problem. It is important not to wait for the crunching and pain to become permanent. The joint can be restored if treatment is started on time," Butorina concluded.

On September 12, Olga Zhuk, internist and CEO of OrthoLike Dental Clinic, spoke about the consequences of narrowing of the upper jaw in children. According to the expert, it can lead to a number of complications, such as crowding of teeth, malocclusion, breathing problems, as well as disorders of cerebral circulation due to insufficient oxygen supply.

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