The surgeon explained the danger of jaw crunching

Maxillofacial surgeon, dentist, PhD Sevak Barseghyan explained when jaw crunching is considered dangerous.

In conversation with aif.ru On Thursday, May 7, the specialist noted that a physiological crunch without pain is a variant of the norm associated with the movement of the articular disc. However, there are clear signs that distinguish a safe click from a pathological one.

The doctor warned that a crunch in the jaw could be a sign of serious problems with the temporomandibular joint. According to him, an alarm signal is considered to be a situation when the jaw clicks both when opening and closing the mouth, as well as if pain appears in the ear, temple, neck or chewing muscles.

The expert called the sudden disappearance of the usual crunch along with a feeling of stiffness and facial asymmetry the most dangerous symptom. This may indicate the development of osteoarthritis or the destruction of the articular head.

Barseghyan noted that the causes of the crunch may be related not only to the joint, but also to cervical osteochondrosis, improper prosthetics, braces or bruxism.

With regular crunching, the doctor advises not to delay the examination: temporarily give up hard food, undergo a functional X-ray and check the jaw in front of a mirror. According to the specialist, surgery is rarely required — in most cases, the problem is treated conservatively with special mouth guards and physiotherapy.

The expert stressed that such symptoms should not be ignored, as timely treatment significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

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In April, AMBC's chief dentist, Mikhail Agami, warned in an interview with NSN that facial plastic surgery could affect teeth and jaw. According to him, the consequences can be different — from loss of sensitivity to more serious disorders, notes 360.ru .

At the same time, dentist Maxim Obushenkov said that the habit of chewing on one side can lead to crossbite. However, without treatment, crossbite affects not only the condition of the teeth, but also the functioning of the entire dental apparatus, writes RT.

In October, orthodontist Irina Butorina told Izvestia that a slight click in the jaw when opening the mouth could 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. If the problem is not treated, the inflammation progresses.