Can jaw pain with popping and locking indicate TMJ problem?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old female, and for about nine months I have had severe jaw pain, and it hurts when I chew, and sometimes it pops and locks into place. My parents brought it up to my dentist about two months after it started, but without looking at my jaw or even asking me about it, they said it is growing pain and they will not worry about it unless I still have it when I am a little older, but I am also getting way more headaches than I used to, and sometimes the pain is so severe it makes me cry. Sometimes, it is getting way worse, to the point where I suddenly have to stop talking sometimes because my jaw locks in place.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your complaint and the relevant details. Lockjaw and clicking sounds are two of the classic symptoms of TMJ disorders. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that moves the mandible up, down, and sideways. If there is a lack of cushion effect, the mandible head slides through the other bone surface, giving this kind of sound and pain. It cannot be a growing thing.

If this continues, it might lead to loss of bone in the joint or even fracture at some point. Addressing it at an early stage can be of massive help. You should be given a custom-fabricated mouth guard to be worn daily, especially during nighttime. This mouth guard is a flexible one that can be used easily by yourself and maintained clean. This is the initial treatment approach in such a scenario. You will definitely see a huge difference in 3 to 6 months. I request you to visit the dentist again and stress your complaint so that the right treatment approach is given to you.

I hope this helps.